OnDemand: Ask the Researchers: Drs. Nikhil Dhurandhar and Leah Whigham on Practical Obesity Management-Practical Obesity Management

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The transcript features a webinar from The Obesity Society on improving obesity management in primary care. Dr. Leah Wiggum introduces the problem: obesity affects more than 185 million U.S. adults, yet there are only about 11,000 obesity specialists, making primary care essential. She and Dr. Nikhil Durandar describe a training-to-practice program designed to help primary care providers deliver evidence-based obesity treatment.<br /><br />Dr. Durandar explains his clinical approach to obesity as more than weight loss alone: it includes treating obesity-related conditions, treating obesity itself, and preventing weight regain. He emphasizes that long-term success depends more on dietary adherence than on any single “best” diet. His framework, CAP-LMT, is a highly individualized method that uses detailed assessment of medical history, lifestyle, preferences, mental health, and socioeconomic factors to create specific meal prescriptions. He also discusses protein timing, physical activity tailored to patient limitations, and the role of anti-obesity medications in supporting sustained energy deficit.<br /><br />Dr. Wiggum then describes two tools developed to help providers: a clinical decision support system and a patient-directed nutrition program called Small Changes. These tools guide diagnosis, medication selection, and meal planning. A pragmatic study showed meaningful weight loss in primary care, with an average of 7.7% total weight loss and 63% of patients achieving at least 5% loss.

Keywords

obesity management

primary care

evidence-based treatment

clinical decision support

anti-obesity medications

nutrition program

weight loss

dietary adherence

training-to-practice program