Professional Resources

Person-Centered Obesity Care and Treatments

A doctor speaks with an overweight patient

Obesity Care Resources You Need

The Obesity Association's Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity recognizes obesity as a chronic disease in the same league as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. 

As such, obesity care should follow the same person-centered, multifaceted approach—including a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, emotional support, and surgery. This allows those living with obesity to make an informed decision about what is best for their health. 

Determining the individualized care for the people you see begins with finding the resources you need. We want to strengthen that relationship and provide the resources, tools, and support that’s needed to deliver person-centric care.

Obesity Care Practice Pearls

These short videos will support you in increasing your knowledge to optimize your care for people with obesity. Topics include reducing bias and stigma and the importance of person-centered care.

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The Impact of Obesity with Veronica R. Johnson, MD
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How to Develop an Obesity Treatment Plan with Veronica R. Johnson, MD
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Discussing Exercise with your Patients with Janet Huehls, MS, ACSM-CEP, NBC-HWC
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Reducing Bias and Stigma in Obesity Care with Robyn Pashby, PhD
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Person-Centered Obesity Care with Daniel Bessesen, MD

Infographics and Handouts

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Obesity Care Counseling for Primary Care Checklist

Obesity Care Counseling for Primary Care Checklist

Discover our new obesity care counseling checklist, highlighting key considerations when delivering care to individuals living with obesity.

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Pharmacotherapy for Obesity Care

Pharmacotherapy for Obesity Care

Learn more about what factors to review when considering pharmacotherapy for obesity management.

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An infographic handout about practical approaches to weight management

A Practical Approach to Weight Management

Review the components of developing an obesity care plan that emphasizes combining treatments to help with weight management. 

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An infographic about starting FDA-aproved weight management medications for healthcare professionals

Starting FDA-Approved Weight Management Medications

Explore weight management pharmacotherapy options and identify how to minimize side effects and mitigate muscle loss. 

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An infographic about weight management for healthcare professionals

Let’s Talk About Weight Management

Discover ways to approach weight management conversations free from bias and help create a safe space for people living with obesity.

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An infographic about pharmacology agents for diabetes and obesity

Pharmacologic Agents for Diabetes & Obesity

Explore the latest insights on pharmacologic options for managing diabetes and obesity care emphasizing various treatment options and the efficacy of blood glucose-lowering medications.

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An infographic about weight management treatment options for healthcare professionals

Weight Management Treatment Options

Discover comprehensive insights into obesity care options. Explore the pivotal role of health care providers in guiding people through their obesity care journey.

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Upcoming Live Webinars

The Impact of Obesity—July 23, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. ET

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Effective management requires a multidimensional approach that considers not only lifestyle changes but also the individualized needs of each person living with obesity. Join us for an overview of person-centered obesity care, beginning with a discussion on the impact of obesity, its risk factors, and associated comorbidities. Participants will gain insight into the various obesity management interventions, including lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy, and surgical options. 

Obesity Care Goals—August 20, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. ET

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Discover how personalized treatment goals and shared decision making can transform obesity care. Learn expert strategies to set evidence-based targets and adjust care plans to improve health outcomes for people living with obesity.

Webinar Recordings

Set up a free account to delve into expert-led insights on obesity care through our library of webinars.

Doctor checking patient's heart with stethoscope

Treating People Living with Obesity in Clinical Care

Discover obesity management methodologies and best practices to enhance the quality of life for people living with obesity. 

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African American female physician smiling in front of her colleagues

Weight Management & Obesity Care Patient Engagement Training

Discover ways to address and combat obesity stigma and bias in practice to ensure quality care. Learn to identify strengths-based, person-centered language and strategies for each member of the team.

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Online Learning

We’re committed to continuing education through the ADA's Institute of Learning — with more than 70 free webinars, courses, and self-assessments to elevate your knowledge of obesity and its care.

continuing education series

Changing the Conversation on Obesity CE program 

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This series, designed for health care professionals, provides evidence-based, person-centered practices for managing obesity, leading to improved outcomes and quality of life. In this series,  you will learn to recognize and counteract weight-based bias, assess and diagnose obesity, engage in shared decision-making related to lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and surgical treatment options, utilize effective counseling techniques, and advocate for individuals living with obesity.

This series offers up to 6 CME/CE credits.

Member Exclusive

Diet, Lifestyle, Medicine, and Beyond: CardioKidneyMetabolic Strategies for Managing Obesity

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In this webinar, the panel will discuss obesity, an independent disease state that affects the cardiokidneymetabolic (CKM) state and which deserves individual and targeted treatments. Speakers will discuss the dietary, lifestyle, and pharmaceutical approaches to this disease. The panel will host a live Q&A at the end of the session. 

Obesity Care and Weight Wellness Case Study Competition

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Put your obesity knowledge to the test with our FREE upcoming case study competition on person-centered obesity and weight wellness care planning. You’ll receive a series of quick case study exercises using real-world examples to help you apply the latest obesity care guidelines to your practice.

Diabetes Core Update

Diabetes Core Update is a monthly podcast that is perfect for busy health care professionals. 

Special Edition: Understanding Compounded Medications in Diabetes Care

Host Dr. Neil Skolnik is joined by Dr. John Hertig and Ed Hernandez to explore the timely and critical topic of compounded medications in diabetes care.

Special Edition: A Focus on Obesity, Part 1

Host, Dr. Neil Skolnik, is joined by Drs. Deborah Horn, Margot Savoy, and Walter Willetto to discuss the obesity epidemic and some of the reasons why the prevalence of obesity has increased over the last 50 years.

 

Special Edition: A Focus on Obesity, Part 2

Dr. Skolnik is joined by Drs. Deborah Horn, Thomas Wadden, and Donna Ryan to discuss approaches to obesity care, including lifestyle, medications, and bariatric surgery.

Special Edition: A Focus on Obesity, Part 3

Dr. Skolnik is joined by Drs. Susan Fidler, Charles Vega, and Margot Savoy to discuss how to have a dialogue with patients about obesity, including how to open up the conversation, how to handle resistance, and how to avoid stigma and bias.