Members who are making a difference for obesity care

AGA leaders are at the forefront of advocating for a comprehensive range of obesity treatment. There's a role for everyone - especially GIs - in the fight against obesity. Check out how AGA President Dr. Maria Abreu and AGA Future Leaders Program alum Dr. Pooja Singhal are advocating for improvements to patient care.

In an editorial published by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Abreu outlines how "obesity rates continue to increase rapidly - yet it remains misunderstood as a disease."

Today, nearly 42% of Americans and 47% of Hispanic adults have obesity. Some data has suggested Hispanic people may be more susceptible to obesity due to a combination of genetic differences and artificial ingredients in ultra-processed foods.

Yet, many people still treat obesity as a willpower issue instead of a "chronic medical condition that impacts multiple systems of the body - cardiovascular, endocrine, psychological and gastroenterological - to name a few."

Given the scientific evidence, it's time for obesity treatment to include a comprehensive spectrum of treatment options, Dr. Abreu says. More importantly, it's critical to make affordable, effective obesity treatment accessible to all Americans. Passing the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act would help achieve this and be a step in the right direction for the health of all Americans. Read the full editorial to understand how the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act would make a difference.

Dr. Pooja Singhal joined KevinMD's podcast to emphasize the importance of a gastroenterological approach to obesity treatment. Obesity "has the potential to affect a lot of the [body's] organs, and of course it affects morbidity and mortality. What people often shy away from is talking about it and seeking help."

The stigma associated with obesity can lead to embarrassment, Dr. Singhal says. As a private practitioner, she encounters this in her practice and encourages health care providers - especially gastroenterologists - to take an active role in treating and addressing the obesity crisis because "we now have the tools to make a difference."

Gastroenterologists are uniquely positioned to make a difference in their day-to-day interactions with patients since certain disease states such as GERD, liver disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) overlap with obesity. "If I see patients affected by any of those GI diseases, I do take the time to talk about it - 'hey, this is our treatment plan, but let's talk about what we can do to address the risk factors and the underlying thing that may also contribute to success,'" Dr. Singhal says of her approach.

Listen to the full episode for more on a gastroenterological approach to obesity, plus how GIs can help educate about obesity treatment.

It's time we work together to educate and advocate for improved access to obesity treatment. Here's how you can get started.