Building Comprehensive Care Networks to Support Lifestyle Change in Patients Taking Obesity Management Medications.

Abstract

There is a sizable proportion of the U.S. population taking obesity management medications (OMMs), accessed through their primary care provider or a specialist. If healthcare providers are prescribing the medications as directed, and patients are taking the medications as directed, they should be doing so in combination with healthy lifestyle behaviors. Specialists in nutrition therapy, physical activity, behavioral counseling, and medical management should work together as a network providing truly comprehensive care. When trained, educated and credentialed in obesity care, this network of providers can coordinate and collaborate to build trust, combat weight stigma and bias, support lifestyle change, and achieve improved health outcomes.