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Management and Treatment of Obesity in Primary Care

An Evolving Landscape

This free CME program from NEJM Group explores the latest evidence on lifestyle, pharmacological, and surgical interventions, as well as recent progress in understanding the causes of obesity. Consisting of four distinct learning opportunities, each activity aims to equip primary care clinicians to navigate the complex, evolving landscape of obesity management.

CME/CE Program Overview
In this course you will learn and reinforce your understanding and skills of how to:
  • Examine the roles of environmental and genetic factors in obesity.
  • Articulate the mechanisms and pathophysiology of obesity.
  • Review common risk factors and comorbidities associated with obesity.
  • Assess multiple factors that influence the prevalence of obesity among diverse populations.
  • Evaluate the evolving landscape of nutrient-stimulated hormone-based treatment options for obesity, and management of common side effects of these medications for your clinical practice.
  • Apply knowledge of current best practices in obesity management to confidently manage patients with obesity.
Disclosure of Support

This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Lilly and Novo Nordisk.

CME/CE Program Components

Mechanisms, Pathophysiology, and Management of Obesity

(Recommended Starting Point)

On Demand Course
CME Credit: 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

This seminal NEJM Review Article has been annotated by authors Steven B. Heymsfield, M.D. and Thomas A. Wadden, Ph.D. to include recent advances in the treatment and practice of obesity medicine.

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Lifestyle Interventions in the Management of Obesity

CME Credit: 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Through this enduring material, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to talk with patients about their weight, how to assess obesity in your patients, and how to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes. Join national obesity experts for a case-based discussion on the latest evidence regarding factors that contribute to weight gain, as well as the data behind dietary interventions. Come away better prepared to speak knowledgeably with your patients, answer their questions, and provide more effective obesity management.

Moderator: Adam H. Gilden, M.D., M.S.C.E.
Speakers: Meghan L. Butryn, Ph.D., and Beverly Tchang, M.D., D.A.B.O.M.

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Recent Advancements in the Management of Obesity with a Focus on Pharmacotherapies

CME Credit: 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Through this enduring material, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of recent advancements in the management of obesity with a focus on pharmacotherapies. Join national obesity experts for a case-based discussion on medications that are approved for chronic weight management. You will understand the mechanism of the new medications that act on gut hormone receptors such as the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, with practical tips on using these in clinical practice. You can also expect a preview of new agents in the pipeline.

Moderator: Adam H. Gilden, M.D., M.S.C.E., D.A.B.O.M.
Speakers: Rebecca M. Andrick, D.O., F.O.M.A., D.A.B.O.M., and Jaime Almandoz, M.D., M.B.A., F.T.O.S., D.A.B.O.M.

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Management of Complications of Obesity

CME Credit: 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Through this enduring material, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to assess and manage the complications of obesity. Join national obesity experts for a case-based discussion that includes an overview of old and new approaches to fatty liver disease and tips on optimizing cardiorenal disease in the presence of obesity.

Moderator: Adam H. Gilden, M.D., M.S.C.E.
Speakers: Heather Laskey, M.D., and Chiadi Ericson Ndumele, M.D., Ph.D., M.H.S.

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Accreditation & Disclosure Information

Featured Faculty

Steven B. Heymsfield, M.D.
Professor and Director, Body Composition-Metabolism Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA
photo of Steven B. Heymsfield
Thomas A. Wadden, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
photo of Thomas A. Wadden
Adam H. Gilden, M.D., M.S.C.E., D.A.B.O.M.
Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
photo of Adam H. Gilden
Meghan L. Butryn, Ph.D.
Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
Director of Research, Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
photo of Meghan L. Butryn
Beverly Tchang, M.D., D.A.B.O.M.
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Comprehensive Weight Control Center, New York, NY
photo of Beverly Tchang
Rebecca M. Andrick, D.O. , F.O.M.A., D.A.B.O.M.
Founder, Weigh to Wellness,
Associate Professor, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Denver, CO
photo of Rebecca M. Andrick
Jaime Almandoz, M.D., M.B.A., F.T.O.S., D.A.B.O.M.
Medical Director, Weight Wellness Program
Associate Professor of Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
photo of Jaime Almandoz
Heather Laskey, M.D.
Kaiser Permanente, Denver, CO
photo of Heather Laskey
Chiadi Ericson Ndumele, M.D., Ph.D., M.H.S.
Associate Professor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
photo of Chiadi Ericson Ndumele

Related Articles

  • Obesity in Adolescents

    Obesity in Adolescents

    T.S. Hannon and S.A. ArslanianN Engl J Med 2023;389:251-261

    Management of obesity in adolescents should routinely include intensive treatment with regard to lifestyle and diet, with antiobesity medications and bariatric surgery considered if indicated.

    Obesity in Adolescents
  • Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adolescents with Obesity

    Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adolescents with Obesity

    D. Weghuber and OthersN Engl J Med 2022;387:2245-2257

    In this trial, adolescents with obesity assigned to weekly subcutaneous semaglutide plus lifestyle intervention had a greater reduction in BMI than those who received lifestyle intervention alone.

    Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adolescents with Obesity
  • Obesity in Pregnancy

    Obesity in Pregnancy

    A.A. Creanga, P.M. Catalano, and B.T. BatemanN Engl J Med 2022;387:248-259

    The authors review the many adverse effects of obesity on pregnancy, including hypertension, diabetes, insulin resistance, subfertility, miscarriage, and congenital abnormalities.

    Obesity in Pregnancy
Accreditation Information

Accreditation Statement:

The Massachusetts Medical Society is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement:

Annotated Article
The Massachusetts Medical Society designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Live Webinars
The Massachusetts Medical Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Enduring Materials from Live Webinars
The Massachusetts Medical Society designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Disclosure Statements

All individuals in control of the content for an MMS accredited continuing education activity must disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the past 24-months. The following individuals disclosed relevant relationships with ineligible companies.

Annotated Review Article: Mechanisms, Pathophysiology, and Management of Obesity

Steven B. Heymsfield, M.D.

  • Medifast, Abbott, Medical Advisory Board Member
  • Versanis, (ended 10/2023) Medical Advisory Board Member
  • Novo Nordisk, Data Safety Monitoring Committee

Thomas Wadden, Ph.D.

  • Novo Nordisk, WW, Scientific Advisory Board

Webinar: Lifestyle Interventions in the Management of Obesity

Beverly Tchang, M.D., D.A.B.O.M.

  • Novo Nordisk, Advisor

Webinar: Recent Advancements in the Management of Obesity with a Focus on Pharmacotherapies

Rebecca M. Andrick, D.O., F.O.M.A., D.A.B.O.M.

  • Lilly, Stock

Jaime Almandoz, M.D., M.B.A., F.T.O.S., D.A.B.O.M.

  • Novo Nordisk, Advisor
  • Eli Lilly and Company, Advisor
  • Boehringer Ingelheim, Advisor

Webinar: Management of Complications of Obesity

  • N/A

All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the beginning of each activity in accordance with ACCME and MMS policies. For this activity, all other individuals in control of content did not disclose any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

Annotated Article
The AAFP has reviewed On Demand: Annotated Review Article: Mechanisms, Pathophysiology, and Management of Obesity and deemed it acceptable for up to 1.00 Enduring Materials, Self-Study AAFP Prescribed credit(s). Term of Approval is from 04/15/2024 to 04/15/2025. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Live Webinars
The AAFP has reviewed Management and Treatment of Obesity in Primary Care: An Evolving Landscape Series, and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit. Term of approval is from 04/25/2024 to 07/15/2025. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • This session Lifestyle Interventions in the Management of Obesity (4/25/2024) is approved for 1.5 live activity AAFP Prescribed credits.
  • This session Recent Advancements in the Management of Obesity with a Focus on Pharmacotherapies (5/23/2024) is approved for 1.5 live activity AAFP Prescribed credits.
  • This session Management of Complications of Obesity (6/20/2024) is approved for 1.5 live activity AAFP Prescribed credits.

Enduring Materials from Live Webinars
The AAFP has reviewed Management and Treatment of Obesity in Primary Care: An Evolving Landscape Series — Enduring, and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit. Term of approval is from 05/15/2024 to 07/15/2025. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • This session Lifestyle Interventions in the Management of Obesity (5/15/2024-5/15/2025) is approved for 1.5 enduring AAFP Prescribed credits.
  • This session Recent Advancements in the Management of Obesity with a Focus on Pharmacotherapies (6/15/2024-6/15/2025) is approved for 1.5 enduring AAFP Prescribed credits.
  • This session Management of Complications of Obesity (6/27/2024-7/15/2025) is approved for 1.5 enduring AAFP Prescribed credits.

American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)

Management and Treatment of Obesity in Primary Care: An Evolving Landscape: This activity has been reviewed by the AAPA Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 5.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation. Approval is valid from 3/22/2024 to 6/20/2025. AAPA reference number: CME-2011143.

Annotated Article
This activity is designated for 1 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Live Webinars
Each activity is designated for 1.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Enduring Materials from Live Webinars
Each activity is designated for 1.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

Pharmacology Contact Hours
On Demand: Annotated Review Article: Mechanisms, Pathophysiology, and Management of Obesity
This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour(s) of continuing education (which includes 0.5 hour(s) of pharmacology) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners®. Activity ID# 24036571. This activity was planned in accordance with AANP Accreditation Standards and Policies.

Management and Treatment of Obesity in Primary Care: An Evolving Landscape: Live Webinar #1: Lifestyle Interventions in the Management of Obesity
This activity is approved for 1.50 contact hour(s) of continuing education (which includes 0.00 hour[s] of pharmacology) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners®. Activity ID# 24036574. This activity was planned in accordance with AANP Accreditation Standards and Policies.

Management and Treatment of Obesity in Primary Care: An Evolving Landscape On-Demand Webinar #1: Lifestyle Interventions in the Management of Obesity, sponsored by Massachusetts Medical Society, is approved for continuing education by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Activity ID number 24036577 has been assigned to this application. All sessions are approved as submitted. This activity has been approved for one year (April 30, 2025).

Management and Treatment of Obesity in Primary Care: An Evolving Landscape: Live Webinar #2: Recent Advancements in the Management of Obesity with a Focus on Pharmacotherapies
This activity is approved for 1.5 contact hour(s) of continuing education (which includes 1.5 hour(s) of pharmacology) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners®. Activity ID number 24046609. This activity was planned in accordance with AANP Accreditation Standards and Policies.

Management and Treatment of Obesity in Primary Care: An Evolving Landscape: On-Demand Webinar #2: Recent Advancements in the Management of Obesity with a Focus on Pharmacotherapies
This activity is approved for 1.5 contact hour(s) of continuing education (which includes 1.5 hour(s) of pharmacology) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners®. Activity ID# 24046610. This activity was planned in accordance with AANP Accreditation Standards and Policies.

Management and Treatment of Obesity in Primary Care: An Evolving Landscape: Live Webinar #3: Management of Complications of Obesity
This activity is approved for 1.5 contact hour(s) of continuing education (which includes 0.5 hour(s) of pharmacology) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners®. Activity ID# 24056647. This activity was planned in accordance with AANP Accreditation Standards and Policies.

Management and Treatment of Obesity in Primary Care: An Evolving Landscape: On-Demand Webinar #3: Management of Complications of Obesity
This activity is approved for 1.5 contact hour(s) of continuing education (which includes 0.5 hour(s) of pharmacology) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners®. Activity ID# 24056646. This activity was planned in accordance with AANP Accreditation Standards and Policies.