Standards of Care

Setting the Standards of Care for Obesity

Through the latest research findings, the Obesity Association will craft a roadmap for health care professionals to navigate the complex landscape of managing obesity, paving the way for improved outcomes and quality of life.

African American female physician examining a senior overweight African American female patient

Built on a Legacy of Research and Expertise

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has been instrumental in setting the standards of care in diabetes through extensive research and comprehensive guidance. We’re working to continue the relationship between people with obesity and the health care professionals treating them to improve their health outcomes. 

The Obesity Association builds on chapter 8 of the ADA's Standards of Care in Diabetes, which specifically addresses treatment of obesity. It expands to include the continuum of this metabolic spectrum. By delineating evidence-based guidance and best practices, these practice guidelines aim to empower health care professionals with the tools necessary to deliver the best possible evidence-based, pragmatic care to people with obesity.

Read the Chapter

  • BMI as a Measure of Obesity

  • Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Behavioral Therapy

  • Pharmacotherapy

  • Medical Devices for
Weight Loss

  • Metabolic Surgery

Overweight man on bed pinching the fat on his stomach

While used as an indicator of obesity, BMI (body mass index) shouldn’t be considered a perfect measurement as it doesn’t take all types of bodies into consideration (for example, someone who is very muscular). Instead, a diagnosis should be based on an overall assessment of the individual—including their metabolic, physical, and psychological wellbeing. We advocate for inclusive and non-judgmental communication to assess potential barriers and optimize health outcomes.

Overweight Asian woman in park looking at laptop while stretching

Typically, significant weight loss can happen with lifestyle changes that achieve a 500–750 energy deficit a day. For most people, this means an eating plan of 1,200–1,500 kcal/day for women and 1,500–1,800 kcal/day for men. Even a 5% weight loss can yield clinical benefits, with benefits increasing as weight loss progresses. Combining nutrition with increased physical activity and behavioral changes can help people safely reach even more ambitious weight-loss goals.

Person puttting pills and tablets in a glass cup

Pharmacotherapy refers to the use of medications to treat specific health conditions. When it comes to obesity, we need to first minimize medications that might contribute to weight gain. For people with obesity and underlying health issues like diabetes, pharmacotherapy for weight loss may be considered along with lifestyle changes for the best results. 

Senior heavy African American woman holding hand to chest speaking to health care worker

While some gastric banding devices have decreased in practice due to complications and limited long-term effectiveness, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several minimally invasive options to aid weight loss. These include implanted gastric balloons, nerve stimulators, and gastric aspiration therapy.

Senior African American woman in hospital room after surgery speaking to physician

Surgical procedures for obesity—known as bariatric, metabolic, or weight loss surgery—have been shown to promote significant, long-term weight loss. These procedures are increasingly recommended to not only treat and improve type 2 diabetes, but to also reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

standards of care

Where do we go from here?

Setting the Standards of Care for Obesity is an ongoing undertaking. The Obesity Association will continue to expand them, keeping health care professionals who provide obesity care up to date about the latest clinical research so they can offer evidence-based, inclusive, person-centered care.

Smiling African American heavy-set man with wife and child in background