Redefining Psychiatry's Role in Weight Management: Updates in Evidence-Based Care

Abstract: Nearly 50% of the US adult population meets criteria for obesity, and this number continues to rise. Even more concerning is the disproportionate prevalence in many minorities, those with lower socioeconomic status, people with mental health diagnoses, and the often underserved populations in our country. Psychiatrists are uniquely trained and poised to make a significant impact on this public health crisis, bringing together knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and, most importantly, an understanding of the psychological and behavioral components that contribute to overall health. Additionally, consult-liaison psychiatrists are often involved in the care of patients with significant medical comorbidities that contribute to low appetite, weight loss, and even failure to thrive. Furthermore, evidence for the role of the gut microbiome in psychiatric disorders continues to grow. In this symposium, we will explore the expanding and diverse ways that psychiatrists are using evidence-based practices to target weight management and discuss the areas for future research as we strive to improve the health of the communities around us.

Dr. Rukhsana Iqbal will use her experiences as a board certified physician in Psychiatry and Family Medicine to provide an introduction and serve as our moderator throughout the presentation.

Each presenter will use an interactive, case-based approach to guide attendees in considering how these important topics might fit into their own practice of medicine. Dr. Heather Huang will discuss evidence-based strategies in the treatment of patients with Binge Eating Disorder. Dr. Margaret Cinderella will review the role of psychiatry in caring for patients following bariatric surgery, highlighting important factors related to safe and effective medication use and the importance of monitoring nutritional status. Dr. Kaleena Chilcote will introduce CBT for weight loss, review the evidence for this therapeutic treatment modality, and discuss strategies for incorporating brief interventions into a busy psychiatric practice. Dr. Marie Tobin will draw on her extensive experience in psycho-oncology to review the evidence in using psychotropics to target unhealthy weight loss in the medically ill.

References:
Hales CM, et al. Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults and Youth: United States, 2015-2016. NCHS data brief, no 288. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics.