Managed care considerations of weight management interventions for obesity.

The growing prevalence of obesity in the United States has presented an opportunity to increase knowledge about optimal treatment approaches based on a better understanding of patient and provider biases, health care coverage and practices, and social determinants of health. Guideline-recommended obesity treatment begins with lifestyle intervention, and weight management may be enhanced by metabolic and bariatric surgery or anti-obesity medication (AOM) use. However, patient and provider perceptions surrounding obesity and different treatment modalities may present barriers to discussion and uptake of these interventions.

Patient well-being and the clinical and economic burdens associated with obesity in the United States.

Obesity is a serious, progressive, chronic disease that is associated with a spectrum of complications and poor outcomes (eg, premature death, diminished quality of life) and is a risk factor for several other diseases. Obesity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. More recently, obesity was recognized as a risk factor for poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19.