Bariatric Care Part 3: Lifestyle and Pharmacologic Interventions

Presented by Rose Flinchum

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Video Runtime: 67 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 29 Minutes

Overweight and obesity currently affect over one-third of adult Americans. For those who attempt weight loss, the vast majority utilize lifestyle measures, including activity/exercise and/or diet interventions in the attempt to reach their weight loss goals. Additionally, some individuals are prescribed pharmacologic agents to aid in weight loss. This course will provide an introduction to these interventions, including their appropriate utilization and reported efficacy in the achievement and maintenance of weight loss. Guidelines and recommendations, when available, will be shared. This course is appropriate for nurses and other health care providers in all settings, who care for individuals with overweight and obesity who are undergoing nonsurgical interventions for weight loss.

Meet your instructor

Rose Flinchum

Ms. Flinchum is an advanced practice nurse with forty years' experience in staff and patient/community diabetes self-management education. She has held the position of Clinical Nurse Specialist-Diabetes Educator at La Porte Hospital (formerly Indiana University La Porte Hospital) since 2007 and is currently program…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Nonsurgical Interventions for Weight Loss in Persons With Overweight and Obesity

1. Nonsurgical Interventions for Weight Loss in Persons With Overweight and Obesity

Current data indicates that only one percent of individuals with obesity who meet the requirements for metabolic and bariatric surgery actually receive the surgery. Thus, the vast majority of persons with overweight and obesity who attempt weight loss utilize lifestyle measures, including activity/exercise and/or diet. Some individuals are also prescribed weight loss medications to aid in their weight loss efforts. This chapter will provide an introduction to these interventions, including their utilization and reported efficacy in the achievement and maintenance of weight loss.

Lifestyle Management: Medical Nutrition Therapy and Exercise/Activity

2. Lifestyle Management: Medical Nutrition Therapy and Exercise/Activity

Management of overweight and obesity requires a multifaceted approach. Experts agree that activity/exercise and nutrition are essential components in this quest. This chapter will focus on recommendations and guidelines for appropriate, safe activities/exercises for those with overweight and obesity, in light of the many comorbidities often experienced by these persons. In addition, considerations regarding the nutritional deficiencies often encountered in overweight and obese individuals will be addressed, and current dietary recommendations for weight loss will be shared. A case study will provide an opportunity for the learner to analyze an exercise- and nutrition-based treatment regimen.

Pharmacologic Therapy for  Overweight and Obesity

3. Pharmacologic Therapy for Overweight and Obesity

In recent years, a number of pharmaceutical agents have been approved for weight loss. This chapter will provide a review of these drugs, including indications; pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; dosing parameters; prescribing considerations, including contraindications; potential adverse reactions/side effects; efficacy; required monitoring and follow-up; and cost concerns. Patient education needs regarding these medications will be included. A case study will allow the learner to synthesize the information presented.