Comprehensive Approach to the Treatment of Obesity 2010

This educational course is intended for all health care providers who encounter patients with obesity. Faculty physicians and staff of Cedars Sinai Weight Loss Program will provide a comprehensive review of evolving treatment options for obesity. Practical approaches will be provided on the use of weight loss drugs including indications, appropriate use and complications. Current and emerging surgical treatments for weight loss will be reviewed including best practices for pre and postoperative management and clinical pearls for long term care. This course will provide clinicians and health care professionals with the latest evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of obese patients.
The incidence of obesity has increased dramatically in the last several decades affecting over one-third of the adult population in the United States. Safe and effective medical and surgical treatments have evolved yet are under-utilized. Advances in weight loss treatment reviewed in this program will enable clinicians to more effectively manage this complex disease.

Target Audience
Internists, family practice, general practitioners & PCPs, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, obstetrics & gynecologists, woman s health practitioners, preventative cardiologists, cardiologists, nutritionists and other healthcare providers

Learning Objectives

• Evaluate and manage gastrointestinal complications of weight loss surgery.


• Evaluate pharmacologic treatment options for obese and overweight patients and the effect of 5 to 10 % weight loss on co-morbid conditions.


• Define lifestyle modification including physical activity as treatment for obesity, and activity recommendations for health and weight loss.


• Describe diabetes and other metabolic complications of obesity.


• Describe surgical treatment options for obesity and its effect on weight loss and co-morbid conditions.