Scripps Obesity Medicine Management Essentials

Course Overview

The Scripps Obesity Medicine: Management Essentials 2026 course provides a comprehensive, evidence-based review of contemporary obesity medicine for healthcare professionals. Designed to support the delivery of effective, patient-centered care, the program explores obesity as a complex, chronic disease and presents practical strategies for assessment, treatment, and long-term management.

Participants will gain current clinical knowledge on obesity pathophysiology, lifestyle interventions, pharmacologic therapies, metabolic and bariatric surgery, and the management of obesity-related complications. The course also addresses the psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence obesity care, helping clinicians develop individualized treatment plans that improve patient outcomes.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Location: The Schaetzel Center, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, La Jolla, California

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of obesity.
• Apply evidence-based methods to assess patients with obesity.
• Develop individualized nutrition and physical activity plans.
• Create comprehensive treatment strategies for obesity and obesity-related complications.
• Incorporate culturally sensitive and patient-centered approaches into obesity care.
• Integrate current clinical guidelines and best practices into routine practice.

Course Topics

1. Welcome & Course Overview

Introduction to the program objectives, educational framework, and key learning outcomes.

2. Introduction to Obesity Medicine

An overview of obesity medicine, current treatment principles, and the evolving role of multidisciplinary care.

3. Reframing Obesity as a Complex, Chronic Disease

Understanding obesity through the lens of chronic disease management, including biological, environmental, and behavioral contributors.

4. Evaluating Patients with Obesity

Comprehensive patient assessment, risk stratification, diagnostic evaluation, and clinical decision-making.

5. Psychosocial and Social Dimensions of Obesity

Exploration of mental health, weight stigma, social determinants of health, and their impact on treatment success.

6. Expert Panel Discussion

Clinical case discussions and evidence-based approaches to common challenges in obesity management.

7. Lifestyle Interventions

Review of nutrition, physical activity, behavioral modification, and sustainable lifestyle strategies supported by current evidence.

8. Pharmacotherapy for Obesity: 2026 Updates

Current recommendations for anti-obesity medications, including patient selection, treatment planning, safety considerations, and emerging therapies.

9. Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

Indications, patient selection, procedural options, expected outcomes, and long-term postoperative management.

10. Complications of Obesity

Diagnosis and management of obesity-related conditions, including metabolic, cardiovascular, endocrine, and other chronic diseases.

11. The Patient Perspective

Insights into the lived experience of individuals with obesity and strategies to strengthen communication, engagement, and long-term adherence.

12. Women and Weight: From Pregnancy to Menopause

Special considerations for obesity management across different stages of women's health.

13. Maintenance of Weight Loss

Evidence-based approaches for sustaining long-term weight reduction and preventing weight regain.

14. Overcoming Barriers to Obesity Care

Strategies to address clinical, systemic, and patient-related barriers while improving access to effective obesity treatment through collaborative discussion.

Who Should Attend?

This course is intended for healthcare professionals involved in obesity prevention and treatment, including:

• Primary Care Physicians
• Internal Medicine Physicians
• Endocrinologists
• Bariatric Specialists
• Nurse Practitioners
• Physician Assistants
• Other Advanced Practice Providers

It is particularly valuable for clinicians seeking a structured, evidence-based update on obesity medicine and practical approaches for integrating comprehensive obesity management into everyday clinical practice.