The Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) is the largest organization of clinicians dedicated to preventing, treating, and reversing the disease of obesity. Members of OMA believe treating obesity requires an individualized approach comprised of nutrition, physical activity, behavior, and medication. When personalized, this comprehensive approach helps patients achieve their weight and health goals. Visit www.obesitymedicine.org to learn more.

1.  What do you think is the most important issue today in obesity and osteoarthritis?

Obesity plays a role in osteoarthritis, just as it plays a role in type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other chronic diseases. Obesity affects more than one-third of U.S. adults, and that same population is at risk of developing osteoarthritis as a result of obesity. Because obesity impacts so many other comorbidities, the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) believes that treating obesity as the root cause can help patients become healthier overall.

2.  How is your organization working to address this issue or other issues related to obesity and osteoarthritis?

Members of OMA focus primarily on treating obesity using a comprehensive, evidence-based approach. Patients under the care of an obesity medicine clinician see vast improvements to their overall health and are often able to reduce their dosage or stop taking medications for other chronic conditions. OMA continues to educate health care professionals about the importance of individualized medical obesity treatment and build awareness among the patient population that there is a medical treatment option.

3.  What is a headline you’d like to see about obesity in five years?

If in five years the headlines read that rates of obesity in the U.S. were going down, we’d still have work to do. Obesity is a chronic, relapsing condition that requires lifelong care. As long as obesity persists, comorbidities like osteoarthritis persist as well. OMA is working toward eradication of obesity and prevention of future cases, and any progress we make in the next five years will put us another step closer to that future.

4.  What is one interesting fact you’d like people to know about your organization?

The Obesity Medicine Association is the largest organization of practicing obesity medicine clinicians. Patients seeking medical (non-surgical) treatment for obesity can search for a provider for free at www.FindObesityTreatment.org.

5.  What is your interest in the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance?

There are strong ties between obesity and osteoarthritis and therefore plenty of opportunities for OMA to collaborate with the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance. Because patients with obesity are at risk for osteoarthritis, these two organizations can work together to raise awareness among patients of the ways to reduce obesity—and in turn reduce the risk of osteoarthritis—and create sustainable healthy lifestyles.