Featured Products:
ABOM Exam Study Materials
Review Course
* Live course takes place in Washington, D.C. Sept. 30- Oct. 4 | Register online Textbooks * Obesity: Evaluation and Treatment Essentials | Order online
* Practical Manual of Clinical Obesity | Order online
* Handbook of Obesity Two-volume Set | Order online
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Obesity Medicine e-Weekly
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News
 Remembering Dr. Harold Seim Harold "Hal" Seim, MD, MPH, FASBP, passed away on Sept. 12. Dr. Seim was passionate about obesity medicine and worked tirelessly to grow the field. He spent much of his time working with ASBP to improve CME programs and educate health care providers about treating obesity. Dr. Seim served for 24 years as ASBP's CME program director, and prior to that, was an active member who never missed a conference. He inspired many members to get involved and grow their passion for obesity medicine, and his influence will be felt for years to come.
 September is childhood obesity awareness month
In honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, we asked Dr. Wendy Scinta, ASBP vice president, about pediatric obesity: 1. How does your practice plan to participate in Childhood Obesity Awareness Month? I am working on setting up a Fun Run in the area. September is beautiful in upstate New York, and I think a run acknowledging the importance of movement and healthy eating is a great way to get the community engaged. 2. Why is it important to raise awareness about childhood obesity? There are so many reasons: first, the probability of childhood obesity persisting into adulthood is estimated to be 20 percent at age 4 and 80 percent by adolescence. This tells us that if we get it early, we have a better chance of reversing it and helping the child live a happy and healthy life. So recognizing it is key. Second, we all need to be advocates for our children and work in our communities to help create fewer obesogenic environments. This can include getting involved in the PTA and working towards healthier lunches and offerings in the vending machines and school stores, or helping to raise money for bike and walking paths. Finally, the fiscal health of our country depends on our ability to control this disease. With an estimated 25 percent of our two trillion dollar health care system being utilized to control obesity-related diseases, it is imperative that we focus on our children. 3. What advice would you give to health care providers who encounter pediatric obesity in their practices? Be compassionate. Do not lecture or insult the child. Do not blame the parent. Most parents are trying to improve the situation--they just need education and tools. Try to problem-solve the issues, which are unique for every family. Understand that the entire family has to make changes for any child to succeed in the long run.  ASBP accepting applications during committee enrollment period Committee involvement is one of the exclusive benefits of membership in ASBP, and now is the time to get more involved! Committee enrollment is open now through Oct. 15. To join a committee, complete an application and return it to membership@asbp.org. Your application will be reviewed by the committee chairperson and board liaison, and you will be notified of your acceptance by Oct. 31. Not sure what committee you should join? Observe the committee meetings taking place at Overcoming Obesity 2015 in Washington, D.C., to find a committee working on initiatives that interest you. You can also check out our committee-focused newsletter, packed with information about committees.
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Advocacy
 Sign up for advocacy track by Sept. 23
At our upcoming conference, Overcoming Obesity 2015 in Washington, D.C., we're offering a new advocacy breakout track. This track will teach you the skills needed for lobbying on Capitol Hill; then, you'll have the opportunity to use your skills by actively lobbying for increased access to and coverage of obesity treatment services.
The Advocacy Breakout Track will take place on Friday, Oct. 2, as part of the Fall Obesity Summit. This track is offered to everyone registered to attend the Fall Obesity Summit, but space is limited to 24 attendees. Those who attend will earn CME credit for participating and will have an invaluable opportunity to get involved in advocacy. Reserve your spot by submitting your signed agreement to cme@asbp.org. Registration for this track closes on Sept. 23.
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Foundation
 The foundation needs your help collecting silent auction items
Support the Obesity Treatment Foundation this fall by donating a silent auction item. The foundation is currently collecting items to be bid upon during the cocktail party and silent auction fundraiser taking place on Oct. 3 at Overcoming Obesity 2015.
Items that have already been donated are:
- Two-night stay at a cabin in Winter Park, Colo.
- Monthly pass to CorePower Yoga
- Custom-painted artwork
- Shadowing experience with Dr. William McCarthy
- Fitbit Charge
Add to our list and receive a tax write-off! Complete a silent auction donation form and return it to stacy@asbp.org by Sept. 21.
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Resources
 The Obesity Treatment Foundation (OTF) helps keep you up to date on current obesity research! Each week, OTF publishes a brief overview of three recent studies so you can be in the know, even during your busiest days. Click the titles below to view the full articles, and please consider supporting OTF so we can continue to provide you with updates on the latest research.
J. F., et al. Int. J Obesity, 2015.
Sibutramine is a neurotransmitter re-uptake inhibitor that helps increase satiety. It was taken off the market after a trial proved that it caused increased rates of non-fatal myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular events in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. However, in clinical practice, sibutramine was already contra-indicated in patients with CVD. Data from the U.K. Clinical Practice Research Datalink were used to compare rates of myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular events and all-cause mortality in a cohort of patients prescribed sibutramine or orlistat. The analysis found that patients prescribed sibutramine had a higher rate of myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular events compared to those taking orlistat; however, sub-analysis showed the higher rate was greater in those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease compared to those with no cardiovascular disease. All-cause mortality was not increased in those prescribed sibutramine. These findings suggest that removal of sibutramine from the market may have been inappropriate for people without cardiovascular disease.
Byrne, C. S., et al. Int. J Obesity, 2015.
There has been a recent increase in interest of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) with the emergence of prebiotics and probiotics for colonic and systemic health. Dietary carbohydrates, specifically resistant starches, and dietary fiber are substrates for fermentation that produce SCFAs-primarily acetate, propionate, and butyrate-as end products. This review article brings together recent evidence about the beneficial effects of SCFAs on appetite regulation and energy homeostasis.
Pediatric obesity: Can medications help?
Lenders, C. M. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Obesity, 2015.
Few children and adolescents with obesity have access to treatment options other than lifestyle and behavior recommendations. This review article addresses some of the barriers to using medications for obesity in the pediatric population. The authors also evaluate currently available anti-obesity medications for treating pediatric obesity and provide an update on emerging pharmacotherapies. Specific medications that are discussed include: Orlistat, metformin, exenatide, liraglutide, lorcaserin, and topiramate. The authors conclude that guidelines that have been developed for the use of anti-obesity medications in adults should be adapted for use in adolescents ages 16 years and older, since adult medications can technically be used among this group.
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Education
Full Conference - Sept. 30-Oct. 4, 30 CMEIncludes both the Obesity Medicine Certification Review Course and Fall Obesity Summit. Obesity Medicine Certification Review Course for the ABOM Exam - Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 13 CME Prepares physicians for the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) certification exam. Research Basics Workshop - Oct. 1, 4.25 CME Introduces the basics of conducting clinical research studies. Fall Obesity Summit - Oct. 2-4, 17 CMEAddresses a wide range of topics related to the clinical treatment of obesity.  Reserve your room at the Marriott Wardman Park Our room block at the Omni Shoreham Hotel is full! Stay nearby at the Marriott Wardman Park. Make a reservation online (or call 1-877-212-5752 and refer to the 2015 ASBP fall conference) before Sept. 25 to take advantage of the special conference rate of $229+tax per night. (Reservations are subject to availability.)
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