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Recent changes to the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) formula (2021 CKD-EPI) removed race from the 2009 formula, increasing the number of Black people classified as having CKD, but these changes may impact eligibility and/or dosing for antiobesity medications. This study estimated the number of people with obesity nationwide who might have pharmacotherapy options impacted by the new formula.Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cohort study data, the number of people eligible for antiobesity medication was estimated, and the number who would require a dosage reduction or would no longer be eligible for specific medications based on the new eGFR formula was also estimated.Among 16,412,571 Black and 109,654,751 non-Black people eligible for antiobesity medication, 911,336 (6.1%) Black and 6,925,492 (6.6%) non-Black people had ≥CKD stage 3 by the 2009 CKD-EPI formula. Applying the 2021 CKD-EPI formula, 1,260,969 (8.5%) Black people and 4,989,919 (4.7%) non-Black people had ≥CKD stage 3. For medications requiring renal adjustment, the number of Black people who would require a lower dose or be precluded from using a medication increased by 24.7% to 50.2%.These findings highlight the importance of measuring-rather than estimating-GFR in Black people with CKD when considering many antiobesity pharmacotherapy options.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective intervention currently available for significant and durable weight loss, but weight regain after surgery is not uncommon. This paper focuses on updates in behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy to combat weight regain after bariatric surgery.This paper critically reviews both prospective and retrospective studies assessing pharmacotherapy in post-bariatric surgical patients published within the past 5 years. It also evaluates updates in behavioral therapies and delivery of the therapies in this patient population.Weight regain after bariatric surgery is common. Patients who experience weight regain should be evaluated and treated by a multidisciplinary team. Antiobesity pharmacotherapy should be considered for those who qualify as an adjunct to lifestyle modifications, along with behavioral interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

ContextLong-term treatment of obesity with lifestyle changes alone is unsustainable for most individuals because of several factors including adherence and metabolic adaptation. Medical management of obesity has proven efficacy for up to 3 years in randomized controlled trials. However, there is a dearth of information regarding real-world outcomes beyond 3 years.ObjectiveThis work aimed to assess long-term weight loss outcomes over a 2.5- to 5.5-year period with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and off-label antiobesity medications (AOMs).MethodsA cohort of 428 patients with overweight or obesity were treated with AOMs at an academic weight management center with an initial visit between April 1, 2014, and April 1, 2016. Intervention included FDA-approved and off-label AOMs. The primary outcome was percentage weight loss from initial to final visit. Key secondary outcomes included weight reduction targets as well as demographic and clinical predictors of long-term weight loss.ResultsThe average weight loss was 10.4% at a mean follow-up duration of 4.4 years. The proportions of patients who met the weight reduction targets of 5% or greater, 10% or greater, 15% or greater, and 20% or greater were 70.8%, 48.1%, 29.9%, and 17.1%, respectively. On average, 51% of maximum weight loss was regained, while 40.2% of patients maintained their weight loss. In a multivariable regression analysis, a higher number of clinic visits was associated with more weight loss. Metformin, topiramate, and bupropion were associated with increased odds of maintaining 10% or greater weight loss.ConclusionClinically significant long-term weight loss of 10% or more beyond 4 years is achievable in clinical practice settings with obesity pharmacotherapy.

To determine the association of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) with weight loss maintenance over 2 years.This is a retrospective observational cohort study of adults treated for obesity between 1 April 2014 and 1 April 2016 at a tertiary academic weight management center and who completed 2 years of follow-up. Main outcome measures were mean percent weight loss, percent of individuals who achieved clinically significant long-term weight loss (≥5% weight loss over 2 years), and long-term weight loss maintenance (achievement of ≥5% weight loss at 1 year and maintenance of the ≥5% reduction for the second year).Of the 1566 new patients, 421 completed 1- and 2-year follow-up appointments. Patients were mostly female and on average 51 years old; they weighed 100.1 kg and had a BMI of 35.8 kg/mLong-term weight loss maintenance was observed among adults with medically managed obesity who completed 2 years of follow-up.

The obesity pandemic continues unabated despite a persistent public health campaign to decrease energy intake (“eat less”) and increase energy expenditure (“move more”). One explanation for this failure is that the current approach, based on the notion of energy balance, has not been adequately embraced by the public. Another possibility is that this approach rests on an erroneous paradigm. A new formulation of the energy balance model (EBM), like prior versions, considers overeating (energy intake > expenditure) the primary cause of obesity, incorporating an emphasis on “complex endocrine, metabolic, and nervous system signals” that control food intake below conscious level. This model attributes rising obesity prevalence to inexpensive, convenient, energy-dense, “ultra-processed” foods high in fat and sugar. An alternative view, the carbohydrate-insulin model (CIM), proposes that hormonal responses to highly processed carbohydrates shift energy partitioning toward deposition in adipose tissue, leaving fewer calories available for the body’s metabolic needs. Thus, increasing adiposity causes overeating to compensate for the sequestered calories. Here, we highlight robust contrasts in how the EBM and CIM view obesity pathophysiology and consider deficiencies in the EBM that impede paradigm testing and refinement. Rectifying these deficiencies should assume priority, as a constructive paradigm clash is needed to resolve long-standing scientific controversies and inform the design of new models to guide prevention and treatment. Nevertheless, public health action need not await resolution of this debate, as both models target processed carbohydrates as major drivers of obesity.

Obesity is a growing global concern compounded by limited availability of effective treatment options. The SURMOUNT development program aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide as an adjunct to lifestyle intervention compared with placebo on chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥ 27 kg/mThe SURMOUNT program includes four global phase 3 trials NCT04184622 (SURMOUNT-1), NCT04657003 (SURMOUNT-2), NCT04657016 (SURMOUNT-3), and NCT04660643 (SURMOUNT-4). Participants are randomized to once-weekly subcutaneous tirzepatide versus placebo in a double-blind manner. The primary end point in all trials is the percentage change in body weight from randomization to end of treatment. Results for the primary end point for SURMOUNT-1 were published recently and results for the other trials are expected in 2023.Across trials, participants have a mean age of 44.9 to 54.2 years, are mostly female (50.7% to 69.7%), and have a mean BMI of 36.1 to 38.9.The extensive assessment of once-weekly tirzepatide in the global SURMOUNT program will detail the clinical effects of this first-in-class glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist in chronic weight management.

Background and Aims Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the United States and is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance (IR). Weight loss is the best treatment for NAFLD. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a promising endoscopic procedure for treatment of obesity. Our aim is to evaluate the change in IR and estimated hepatic steatosis and fibrosis after ESG. Methods One hundred eighteen patients with obesity and NAFLD underwent ESG and were followed for 2 years. Weight loss was evaluated as % total body weight loss. IR was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The previously validated hepatic steatosis index and NAFLD fibrosis score were used to estimate hepatic steatosis and risk of fibrosis. Results Patients' mean body mass index was 40 ± 7 kg/m2 at baseline. Eighty-four percent of patients completed 2 years of follow-up. At 2 years, the mean total body weight loss was 15.5% (95% confidence interval, 13.3%-17.8%). Patients' HOMA-IR improved significantly from 6.7 ± 11 to 3.0 ± 1.6 after only 1 week from ESG (P = .019) with continued improvement up to 2 years (P = .03). Patients' hepatic steatosis index score improved significantly, decreasing by 4 points per year (P for trend, Conclusions Our results suggest a significant and sustained improvement in estimated hepatic steatosis and fibrosis after ESG in patients with NAFLD. Importantly, we showed an early and weight-independent improvement in insulin resistance, which lasted for 2 years after the procedure.

Observational studies suggest outpatient metformin use is associated with reduced mortality from coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19). Metformin is known to decrease interleukin‐6 and tumor‐necrosis factor‐α, which appear to contribute to morbidity in COVID‐19. We sought to understand whether outpatient metformin use was associated with reduced odds of severe COVID‐19 disease in a large US healthcare data set. Retrospective cohort analysis of electronic health record (EHR) data that was pooled across multiple EHR systems from 12 hospitals and 60 primary care clinics in the Midwest between March 4, 2020 and December 4, 2020. Inclusion criteria: data for body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 and a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 polymerase chain reaction test; age ≥ 30 and ≤85 years. Exclusion criteria: patient opt‐out of research. Metformin is the exposure of interest, and death, admission, and intensive care unit admission are the outcomes of interest. Metformin was associated with a decrease in mortality from COVID‐19, OR 0.32 (0.15, 0.66; p = .002), and in the propensity‐matched cohorts, OR 0.38 (0.16, 0.91; p = .030). Metformin was associated with a nonsignificant decrease in hospital admission for COVID‐19 in the overall cohort, OR 0.78 (0.58–1.04, p = .087). Among the subgroup with a hemoglobin HbA1c available (n = 1193), the adjusted odds of hospitalization (including adjustment for HbA1c) for metformin users was OR 0.75 (0.53–1.06, p = .105). Outpatient metformin use was associated with lower mortality and a trend towards decreased admission for COVID‐19. Given metformin's low cost, established safety, and the mounting evidence of reduced severity of COVID‐19 disease, metformin should be prospectively assessed for outpatient treatment of COVID‐19., Highlights Oral outpatient therapies for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection are desperately needed.Metformin has a history of anti‐inflammatory and anti‐viral effects.In this retrospective cohort analysis in persons with overweight or obesity outpatient metformin use was associated with lower lower mortality. There was no significant association with reduced hospitalization.

Objective This study aimed to determine the medical cost impact and return on investment (ROI) of a large, commercial, digital, weight-management intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) program (Real Appeal). Methods Participants in this program were compared with a control group matched by age, sex, geographic region, health risk, baseline medical costs, and chronic conditions. Medical costs were defined as the total amount paid for all medical expenses, inclusive of both the insurers' and the study participants' responsibility. Results In the 3 years following program registration, the intent-to-treat (ITT) cohort had significantly lower medical expenditures than the matched controls, with an average of -$771 or 12% lower costs (P = 0.002). Among 4,790 ITT participants, a total savings of $3,693,090 compared with total program costs of $1,639,961 translated into a 2.3:1 ROI. Program completers (n = 3,990), who attended more sessions than the overall ITT group, had greater mean weight loss (-4.4%), greater cost savings (-$956 or 14%), and an ROI of 2.0:1 over the 3-year time frame compared with matched controls. Conclusions The findings demonstrated that the digital weight-management ILI was associated with a significantly positive ROI. Employers and payers willing to cover the cost of an ILI that produces both weight loss and demonstrated cost benefits can improve health and save money for their population with overweight or obesity.

Weight regain after bariatric surgery is unfortunately a common occurrence. In this article, we have reviewed the data addressing this clinical problem focusing on pharmacological management of weight regain. Data from several small, non-randomized, retrospective, and prospective studies provide evidence that a number of pharmacological options, both FDA approved and off-label, are effective in mitigating and managing weight regain after bariatric surgery. There is a suggestion that the optimal time to initiate weight loss medications may be at the time of weight plateau, rather than after weight regain. Adjuvant pharmacotherapy can help treat weight regain after bariatric surgery. Future studies should investigate the optimal timing for starting weight loss medications, as well as the best medication or combinations of medicines, for managing postoperative weight regain in different patient groups, including those who have undergone different types of bariatric surgeries.

The obesity pandemic continues unabated despite a persistent public health campaign to decrease energy intake ("eat less") and increase energy expenditure ("move more"). One explanation for this failure is that the current approach, based on the notion of energy balance, has not been adequately embraced by the public. Another possibility is that this approach rests on an erroneous paradigm. A new formulation of the energy balance model (EBM), like prior versions, considers overeating (energy intakeexpenditure) the primary cause of obesity, incorporating an emphasis on "complex endocrine, metabolic, and nervous system signals" that control food intake below conscious level. This model attributes rising obesity prevalence to inexpensive, convenient, energy-dense, "ultra-processed" foods high in fat and sugar. An alternative view, the carbohydrate-insulin model (CIM), proposes that hormonal responses to highly processed carbohydrates shift energy partitioning toward deposition in adipose tissue, leaving fewer calories available for the body's metabolic needs. Thus, increasing adiposity causes overeating to compensate for the sequestered calories. Here, we highlight robust contrasts in how the EBM and CIM view obesity pathophysiology and consider deficiencies in the EBM that impede paradigm testing and refinement. Rectifying these deficiencies should assume priority, as a constructive paradigm clash is needed to resolve long-standing scientific controversies and inform the design of new models to guide prevention and treatment. Nevertheless, public health action need not await resolution of this debate, as both models target processed carbohydrates as major drivers of obesity.

Obesity has been identified as a multifactorial disease with several determinants, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, dietary patterns, and physical activity factors. Iatrogenic obesity, most commonly medication-induced weight gain, is often overlooked as a contributing factor to a patient's obesity. This article highlights medications known to cause weight gain.

Summary Background BMIQ is a customizable online platform used to deliver evidence‐based behavioural management that complements office visits with healthcare providers. BMIQ offers educational materials, meal plans and tracking tools for patients, and remote monitoring and guidance for physicians. In this retrospective chart review, the implementation and utility of BMIQ was assessed in patients treated at the Comprehensive Weight Control Center (CWCC) at Weill Cornell Medicine. Methods The study included all new patients seen at the CWCC between 9/1/2016 and 6/1/2017 who enrolled in BMIQ. Use of BMIQ was assessed by the number of enrolled patients who activated their account and viewed BMIQ sessions. Demographics, comorbidities, medications, and weight change during 6‐month follow‐up were obtained from the electronic medical records. Results Of the 495 new patients enrolled in BMIQ, 217 met the inclusion criteria of 6‐month follow‐up. The mean age was 50.2 (±13.1) and 72% (n = 157) were female. Sixty‐four percent (n = 138) activated their BMIQ account and viewed greater than or equal to 1 BMIQ session. The average number of physician and registered dietitian visits were 3.5 (±1.1) and 1.9 (±1.6), respectively. The average number of weight loss medications was 1.6 with metformin being the most commonly prescribed (76%). Mean weight loss at 6 months was 7.0 ± 5.9%; 59% achieved greater than or equal to 5% weight loss and 28% achieved greater than or equal to 10% weight loss. The total number of physician visits and weight‐loss pharmacotherapies used were significant predictors of patients achieving greater than or equal to 5% weight loss. Regular BMIQ usage was an independent predictor of patients achieving both greater than or equal to 5% and greater than or equal to 10% weight loss at 6 months. Conclusion Clinically significant weight loss was achieved in the majority of patients with limited in‐clinic physician and registered dietitian follow‐up in combination with BMIQ. This retrospective study demonstrates the utility of online behavioural therapy as part of a medical weight management intervention.

Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial condition with devastating health consequences. It was thought that obesity could be controlled with discipline and lifestyle changes, but we now know that the underlying pathophysiology is a dysregulation of the body's energy balance system, controlled by a complex interplay of neural, hormonal, and metabolic pathways. Recognizing obesity as a chronic disease places a greater responsibility on all health care professionals to screen and identify patients at risk and develop long-term tailored treatment plans.This narrative review describes the central and peripheral pathways regulating obesity, the factors contributing to its development and how to effectively manage this disease.Obesity is a disease with pathophysiologic mechanisms and should be treated accordingly to reduce the significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Lifestyle interventions remain the cornerstones of treatment; however, these measures alone are rarely enough for long-term maintenance of weight loss. Additional interventions, such as pharmacotherapy or bariatric surgery, are indicated for many patients and should be recommended. Treatment considerations should include assessment of comorbidities or risk factors, as many anti-obesity agents and bariatric surgeries also have beneficial effects on other weight-associated comorbidities.

American adults have gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about how patients who are medically managed for overweight and obesity, including patients who are prescribed antiobesity pharmacotherapy, have fared.To assess the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on weight, food choices, and health behaviors in patients receiving medical treatment for overweight or obesity.Adult patients treated at an urban academic weight management center between 1 May 2019 and 1 May 2020 were electronically surveyed between 23 February and 23 March 2021. The survey assessed changes in weight, eating, behaviors, and the use of antiobesity medications (AOMs) following issuance of social distancing/stay-at-home policies in March 2020.In 970 respondents, median percent weight change for those taking AOMs was -0.459% [interquartile range -5.46%-(+3.73%)] compared to +2.33% [IQR -1.92%-(+6.52%)] for those not taking AOMs (Medical weight management protected against weight gain during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased physical activity, decreased alcohol intake, and use of AOMs were factors that contributed to this protective effect.

Background and Objectives Ordering the ingestion of carbohydrate-rich foods after protein/vegetables (carbohydrate-last food order) significantly reduced postprandial glucose and insulin excursions over 180 min in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, compared with the reverse food order (carbohydrate-first) in previous research. We implemented a 16-week food order behavioral intervention, assessing its feasibility and impacts on glucose tolerance (GT), HbA1c, and weight (wt) in adults with prediabetes. Methods Participants with overweight/obesity and prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7-6.4%) were randomized to receive either standard nutritional counseling (control group) or standard nutritional counseling plus carbohydrate-last food order counseling (FO group). Participants were instructed to maintain their usual level of exercise throughout the study; this was assessed by the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise questionnaire at baseline and wk 16. Participants in both groups received 4 in-person brief counseling sessions at 1-month intervals. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, later participants received some or all of their counseling via telemedicine. Oral GT was tested at baseline and week 16. Feasibility was assessed via a questionnaire. Results Of the 45 randomized subjects, 39 completed the study (control 21, FO 18). Demographics and baseline variables including wt (190.8 lbs vs 191.1 lbs) and HbA1c (6% vs 6%) were similar between groups. Exercise levels did not differ between groups at baseline and wk 16. Within FO group, body wt declined (-3.6 ±5.7 lbs, p=0. 017; -1.8% ±2.8, p=0. 012), and there was a trend towards improvement in HbA1c (-0.1 ±0.2, p=0. 054). Control group wt changed (-2.6 ±6.8 lbs, p=0.102; -1.6% ±3.5, p=0. 048) without altering HbA1c (-0. 03 ±0.3, p=0.605). Changes in wt, HbA1c, and GT were not significantly different between groups. At week 16, 17 FO group subjects (94%) reported high intervention adherence, 13 (74%) reported it was easy to eat protein/vegetables before carbohydrates, and 14 (78%) reported they would continue eating protein/vegetables before carbohydrates. Conclusions Carbohydrate-last food order is a feasible behavioral strategy in individuals with prediabetes. More research with a larger sample size and longer duration is needed to delineate its clinical impact. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Background We conducted this study to compare the weight loss outcome of intragastric balloons (IGBs) in conjunction with pharmacotherapy vs IGB and intensive lifestyle changes alone. Methods This was a multicenter, non-randomized, retrospective study involving 4 academic hospitals. Patients underwent IGB placement with or without concomitant anti-obesity pharmacotherapy. The primary outcome was percent total weight loss (TBWL) after IGB placement at 6 and 12 months. Results This study included 102 patients, with 23 patients (mean age 46.6 years, 82.6% female) treated with IGB/pharmacotherapy and 79 patients (mean age 46.0 years, 88.6% female) treated with IGB/lifestyle modifications. Patients had a 100% follow-up rate at 6 and 12 months. At 6 months following IGB placement, both groups achieved a similar %TBWL. At 12 months, %TBWL was greater in the IGB/pharmacotherapy group (12.6% ± 1.2 vs 9.7% ± 0.7, P = .04). 65.2% of patients achieved ≥10% TBWL at 12 months in the IGB/pharmacotherapy group, compared to 38.0% in the IGB/lifestyle group ( P < .05). The proportion of patients that achieved ≥15% weight loss at 12 months was also significantly different between the IGB/pharmacotherapy and IGB/lifestyle groups (30.4% vs 20.3%, P < .05). Discussion IGB with concomitant use of pharmacotherapy did not improve weight loss while the IGB was in place compared to IGB and lifestyle changes. However, patients receiving IGB with pharmacotherapy did have greater weight loss and diminished weight regain after balloon removal compared to those receiving just IGB and lifestyle changes.

Metformin is the first-line medication for type 2 diabetes, but it also has a long history of improved outcomes in infectious diseases, such as influenza, hepatitis C, and in-vitro assays of zika. In the current Covid-19 pandemic, which has rapidly spread throughout the world, 4 observational studies have been published showing reduced mortality among individuals with home metformin use. There are several potential overlapping mechanisms by which metformin may reduce mortality from Covid-19. Metformin’s past anti-infectious benefits have been both against the infectious agent directly, as well as by improving the underlying health of the human host. It is unknown if the lower mortality suggested by observational studies in patients infected with Covid-19 who are on home metformin is due to direct activity against the virus itself, improved host substrate, or both.

According to a commonly held view, the obesity pandemic is caused by overconsumption of modern, highly palatable, energy-dense processed foods, exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle. However, obesity rates remain at historic highs, despite a persistent focus on eating less and moving more, as guided by the energy balance model (EBM). This public health failure may arise from a fundamental limitation of the EBM itself. Conceptualizing obesity as a disorder of energy balance restates a principle of physics without considering the biological mechanisms that promote weight gain. An alternative paradigm, the carbohydrate-insulin model (CIM), proposes a reversal of causal direction. According to the CIM, increasing fat deposition in the body—resulting from the hormonal responses to a high-glycemic-load diet—drives positive energy balance. The CIM provides a conceptual framework with testable hypotheses for how various modifiable factors influence energy balance and fat storage. Rigorous research is needed to compare the validity of these 2 models, which have substantially different implications for obesity management, and to generate new models that best encompass the evidence.

Long-term therapeutic benefit of treatments for weight management in patients with overweight (also termed preobesity) or obesity may be limited by variable safety, tolerability, and efficacy profiles, and patient adherence to treatment regimens. There is a medical need for nonsystemic treatments that promote weight loss in patients with overweight or early obesity. This report reviews four different approaches of utilizing superabsorbent hydrogel technology for weight management at varying stages of preclinical and clinical development. The first is a nonsystemic, oral superabsorbent hydrogel created from naturally derived building blocks used in foods (cellulose-based), designed to mix homogenously with and change the properties of the ingested meal throughout the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and small intestine). This is the first-in-class to be cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to aid in weight-management for adults with BMI of 25-40 kg/m

Adherence to weight management treatments is suboptimal. The Gelesis Loss Of Weight (GLOW; NCT02307279) pivotal trial data were used to assess treatment adherence impact on weight loss. The primary objectives of the GLOW study were to assess the effects of an oral superabsorbent hydrogel (OSH) on weight loss (targeted difference of ≥ 3%) and ≥ 5% weight loss responder status in subjects with a body mass index of 27-40 kg/m2. A total of 436 subjects were randomized to 3 capsules twice per day of OSH or placebo taken with 500 mL (16 oz) of water before lunch and dinner while on a hypocaloric diet (-300 kcal/day) for 24 weeks. There were 172 OSH- and 152 placebo-treated subjects who completed the study. Capsules counted at each study visit every 2-4 weeks were used to calculate overall percent treatment adherence (PTA) after the final visit. The PTA impact on weight loss was assessed using ANCOVA models with baseline BMI, fasting glucose and sex as covariates. A logit model with the same covariates was also used to assess the impact of PTA ≥ 95% or < 95% in subjects who achieved ≥ 10% or < 10% weight loss at 24 weeks. In the OSH group, mean PTA for was 97.61% ± 4.68% (SD) ranging from 70% to 111%, and all but 1 subject had PTA ≥ 80%. A significant interaction of ≥ 5% weight loss responder status and PTA was found (P=0.039); therefore, separate ANCOVA models were fit. PTA predicted weight loss at week 24 among the OSH group ≥ 5% responders, but not the ≥ 5% non-responders. Also, a PTA increase of 1 day/week predicted an additional 3.5% weight loss (β = 0.-25 ± 0.11 SE, P=0.024). PTA did not predict weight loss in the placebo group. OSH-treated subjects with ≥ 95% PTA were 4 times more likely to achieve ≥ 10% weight loss compared to those with < 95% PTA (P=0.027, odds ratio=4.27, 95%CI=1.18 to 15.41). These findings suggest that OSH has a binary impact on the treated subjects rather than a uniform effect. Increased PTA during OSH treatment predicted increased weight loss in patients responding to therapy with ≥ 5% weight loss, and not in non-responders or the placebo group. Disclosure L. E. Urban: Employee; Self; Gelesis. C. Apovian: Board Member; Self; Abbott, Allergan plc, Gelesis, Novo Nordisk, Nutrisystem, Tivity Health, Xeno Bioscience, Zafgen, Inc. L. Aronne: Other Relationship; Self; Allurion, Eisai & Janssen Pharmaceuticals, ERX Pharmaceuticals, Gelesis, Jamieson Wellness, Myos Corp, Intellihealth Corp, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer Foundation, Real Appeal, Research Support; Self; Astrazeneca, Aspire Bariatrics. H. Leider: Employee; Self; Gelesis.

Novel endoscopic procedures (endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), AspireAssist (AA), and primary obesity surgery endolumenal (POSE)) have been developed for treatment of obesity. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate and compare the efficacy of these three endoscopic procedures. Main outcomes of interest were percent excess weight loss (%EWL) and percent total body weight loss (%TBWL). Weighted pooled means (WPMs) were calculated and analyzed using random effects model. Mean differences (MDs) were calculated to compare these procedures. Twelve studies with 1149 patients were included. WPMs for %EWL at 6 and 12 months with ESG were 49.67 (45.67, 53.66) and 52.75 (43.52, 61.98), respectively, while %TBWLs at 6 and 12 months with ESG were 16.01 (15.10, 16.92) and 17.41 (17.08, 17.74), respectively. WPMs for %EWL at 6 and 12 months with POSE were 43.79 (40.17, 47.42) and 44.91 (40.90, 48.92), respectively. WPM for %EWL at 12 months with AA was 50.85 (46.03, 55.68). While comparing ESG and POSE, at 6 months and 12 months, MD for %EWL was 6.17 (1.07, 11.26; P = 0.01) and 7.84 (− 2.05, 17.71; P = 0.06) in favor of ESG. No difference in %EWL was observed while comparing ESG with AA (P = 0.29). Likewise, MD for %EWL to compare AA and POSE was not significant (P = 0.68). During a follow-up of 6–12 months, both AA and ESG had excellent efficacy in achieving significant and sustained weight loss; however, ESG was found to be superior in terms of weight loss when compared with POSE.

Weight loss medications are effective to confer additional weight loss after bariatric surgery in the general population, but they have not been evaluated in adults 60 years of age and older. We performed a retrospective study identifying 35 patients who were ≥60 years old and had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) from 2000 to 2014, and were subsequently prescribed weight loss medications. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine beta coefficients of certain predictor variables being associated with weight loss. Patients lost weight on medications with an average body mass index (BMI) change of −2.74 kg/m(2), standard deviation = 2.6 kg/m(2). RYGB patients lost a greater percentage of BMI on medication than SG (SG; −1.38 ± 1.49 kg/m(2) and RYGB; −3.37 ± 2.83 kg/m(2), p = 0.0372). Patients with hypertension were less likely to lose weight on medications (β = 16.76, p = 0.004, and 95% confidence interval = 5.85–27.67). Weight loss medications are a useful treatment to confer additional weight loss in adults 60 years of age and older after RYGB and SG.

Although many persons with obesity can lose weight by lifestyle (diet and physical activity) therapy, successful long-term weight loss is difficult to achieve, and most people who lose weight regain their lost weight over time. The neurohormonal, physiological, and behavioral factors that promote weight recidivism are unclear and complex. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases convened a workshop in June 2019, titled "The Physiology of the Weight-Reduced State," to explore the mechanisms and integrative physiology of adaptations in appetite, energy expenditure, and thermogenesis that occur in the weight-reduced state and that may oppose weight-loss maintenance. The proceedings from the first session of this workshop are presented here. Drs. Michael Rosenbaum, Kevin Hall, and Rudolph Leibel discussed the physiological factors that contribute to weight regain; Dr. Michael Lowe discussed the biobehavioral issues involved in weight-loss maintenance; Dr. John Jakicic discussed the influence of physical activity on long-term weight-loss maintenance; and Dr. Louis Aronne discussed the ability of drug therapy to maintain weight loss.

Objective To explore predictors of severe COVID-19 disease in patients with diabetes hospitalized for COVID-19. Methods This is a retrospective observational study of adults with diabetes admitted for COVID-19. Bivariate tests and multivariable Cox regression were used to identify risk factors for severe COVID-19, defined as a composite endpoint of intensive care unit admission/intubation or in-hospital death. Results In 1134 patients with diabetes admitted for COVID-19, more severe disease was associated with older age (HR 1.02, p

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether diabetes mellitus (DM) or obesity is an independent risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes and to explore whether the risk conferred by one condition is modified by the other. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study of inpatient adults with COVID-19 used multivariable Cox regression to determine the independent effects of DM and obesity on the composite outcome of intubation, intensive care unit admission, or in-hospital mortality. Effect modification between DM and obesity was assessed with a statistical interaction term and an exploration of stratum-specific effects. RESULTS: Out of 3,533 patients, a total of 1,134 (32%) had DM, 1,256 (36%) had obesity, and 430 (12%) had both. DM and obesity were independently associated with the composite outcome (hazard ratio [HR] 1.14 [95% CI: 1.01-1.30] and HR 1.22 [95% CI: 1.05-1.43], respectively). A statistical trend for potential interaction between DM and obesity was observed (P = 0.20). Stratified analyses showed potential increased risk with obesity compared with normal weight among patients with DM (HR 1.34 [95% CI: 1.04-1.74]) and patients without DM (HR 1.18 [95% CI: 0.96-1.43]). CONCLUSIONS: DM and obesity are independent risk factors associated with COVID-19 severity. Stratified analyses suggest that obesity may confer greater risk to patients with DM compared with patients without DM, and this relationship requires further exploration.

Weight regain after bariatric surgery is unfortunately a common occurrence. In this article, we have reviewed the data addressing this clinical problem focusing on pharmacological management of weight regain.Data from several small, non-randomized, retrospective, and prospective studies provide evidence that a number of pharmacological options, both FDA approved and off-label, are effective in mitigating and managing weight regain after bariatric surgery. There is a suggestion that the optimal time to initiate weight loss medications may be at the time of weight plateau, rather than after weight regain. Adjuvant pharmacotherapy can help treat weight regain after bariatric surgery. Future studies should investigate the optimal timing for starting weight loss medications, as well as the best medication or combinations of medicines, for managing postoperative weight regain in different patient groups, including those who have undergone different types of bariatric surgeries.

IMPORTANCE: Online programs may help with weight loss but have not been widely implemented in routine primary care. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of a combined intervention, including an online weight management program plus population health management, with the online program only and with usual care. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Cluster randomized trial with enrollment from July 19, 2016, through August 10, 2017, at 15 primary care practices in the US. Eligible participants had a scheduled primary care visit and were aged 20 to 70 years, had a body mass index between 27 and less than 40, and had a diagnosis of hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Follow-up ended on May 8, 2019. INTERVENTIONS: Participants in the usual care group (n = 326) were mailed general information about weight management. Participants in the online program only group (n = 216) and the combined intervention group (n = 298) were registered for the online program. The participants in the combined intervention group also received weight-related population health management, which included additional support from nonclinical staff who monitored their progress in the online program and conducted periodic outreach. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was weight change at 12 months based on measured weights recorded in the electronic health record. Weight change at 18 months was a secondary outcome. RESULTS: Among the 840 participants who enrolled (mean age, 59.3 years [SD, 8.6 years]; 60% female; 76.8% White), 732 (87.1%) had a recorded weight at 12 months and the missing weights for the remaining participants were imputed. There was a significant difference in weight change at 12 months by group with a mean weight change of –1.2 kg (95% CI, –2.1 to –0.3 kg) in the usual care group, –1.9 kg (95% CI, –2.6 to –1.1 kg) in the online program only group, and –3.1 kg (95% CI, –3.7 to –2.5 kg) in the combined intervention group (P

It is unknown whether weight loss outcomes differ with metformin monotherapy in patients with obesity with or without type 2 diabetes (T2DM)/prediabetes (PreDM). In this retrospective study, 6- or 12-month weight loss outcomes were compared in 222 patients with or without T2DM/preDM who completed metformin monotherapy. Average weight loss was similar between groups, euglycemic vs. T2DM/preDM (6 months: 6.5 [6.0%] vs. 6.5 [6.1%] p = 0.97; 12 months: 7.4 [6.2%] vs. 7.3 [7.7%], p = 0.92). Categorical weight losses (≥5% and ≥10% of baseline weight) were also similar. Comparable clinically significant weight loss was achieved with metformin monotherapy in patients with obesity with or without T2DM/PreDM.

Background And Aims The growing burden of obesity as a chronic disease necessitates a multifaceted approach to management. There has been an increase in the number of available endoscopic therapies for weight management with endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) proving to be one of the best options. The long-term efficacy of ESG for management of obesity is not known. This study sought to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of ESG for treatment of obesity. Methods This was a prospective cohort study. Participants underwent ESG in a single academic center, and were prospectively enrolled. All procedures were performed by the same therapeutic endoscopist. Patients with a body mass index of >30 kg/m2 (or >27 with comorbidities), who underwent ESG from August 2013 to August 2019 for treatment of obesity were enrolled. Patients were followed for up to 5 years after their procedure. The primary outcome was weight loss at 5 years after the procedure (% total body weight loss, TBWL) Results 216 patients (68% female) with a mean age of 46±13 years, and mean BMI of 39±6 kg/m2 underwent ESG. Out of 216 patients, 203, 96, and 68 patients were eligible for a 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow up, with complete follow-up rates of 70%, 71%, and 82%, respectively. At 5 years, mean TBWL was 15.9% (95% CI, 11.7-20.5, p Conclusions Our results suggest that ESG is safe and effective for treatment of obesity, with durable long-term results for at least up to 5 years after the procedure. This procedure should be considered as a reliable option for treatment of obesity.

Background: Metformin is the first-line pharmacologic treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Its use has been associated with significant weight loss in patients with obesity with or without T2DM. However, it is unknown whether weight loss outcomes differ with metformin monotherapy in patients with excess weight and euglycemia compared to patients with T2DM/prediabetes (PreDM). Methods: This is a retrospective study of new patients with overweight/obesity seen at an academic weight management center between 4/1/14-4/1/16. Patients who received metformin as a sole pharmacotherapy were identified, and data pertaining to demographics, medications, comorbidities, and weight changes during 1-year follow-up were obtained from their electronic medical records. Mean and categorical weight losses were compared between patients with and without T2DM/PreDM. We also assessed the rate of metformin discontinuation due to side effects, lack of efficacy or other reasons in the entire cohort. Results: Of 1056 patients who were prescribed metformin for weight loss over the 2-year study period and had at least 2 office visits, 99 (9.38%) discontinued the medication due to the following reasons: side effects 59 (60%), lack of efficacy 15(15%) or other reasons 25(25%). A total of 254 patients received metformin as a sole pharmacotherapy for weight loss and had 6 and/or 12-month follow-up visits. In this cohort, the mean age was 53 ± 14 years, 66% were women. The mean BMI was 35 ± 7 kg/m2. The average percent weight loss at 6 and 12 months were similar in patients with euglycemia compared to patients with T2DM/PreDM (6.12% ± 5.68 vs 6.36% ± 6.52 p=0.73 at 6 months; 7.13% ± 6.42 vs 7.23% ± 7.74 p=0.93 at 12 months). The proportion of patients who experienced ≥5% weight loss was similar in both groups at 6-month (54.04 vs 54.55%, p=0.94) and 12-month follow-up visits (63.95 vs 55.42%, p=0.26). The proportion of patients who experienced ≥10% weight loss was also similar in both groups at 6-month (25.81 vs 27.72%, p=0.81) and 12-month follow-up visits (33.72 vs 30.12%, p=0.62). Discussion: Among patients with obesity, metformin as a sole pharmacotherapy for weight loss achieved significant and comparable weight reduction in patients with or without T2DM/PreDM. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term weight loss in patients with euglycemia.

Objective This study aimed to elucidate medical weight-loss outcomes in patients unexposed or exposed to psychotropic medication(s). Methods This retrospective cohort study evaluated weight-loss outcomes of completers treated at an academic weight-management center between April 1, 2014, and April 1, 2016. Patients were classified as either unexposed (not prescribed psychotropic medication) or exposed (prescribed psychotropic medication) based on use of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics during the study. Results Of 1,932 patients seen during the study period, 885 were eligible for inclusion, of whom 619 (70.0%) were unexposed and 266 (30.0%) were exposed to psychotropic medications. In the unexposed and exposed groups, the mean age, sex distribution, proportion with type 2 diabetes, initial BMI, and number of weight-loss medications prescribed were similar. At 12 months, the unexposed group lost 1.6% more weight on average than the exposed group (9.1% [SD 7.6%] vs. 7.5% [SD 8.1%], respectively; P = 0.02); 71.0% and 41.2% of the unexposed group achieved ≥ 5% and ≥ 10% weight loss at 12 months, respectively, compared with 63.1% and 31.8% in the exposed group at 12 months (P = 0.04 at 5%; P = 0.02 at 10%). Conclusions Exposure to psychotropic medications was associated with diminished weight loss in patients with medically managed overweight and obesity.

BACKGROUND Scalable, low-cost weight management strategies are needed in primary care. We conducted a pragmatic, cluster-randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of an online weight management program integrated with population health management support. METHODS We adapted an online weight management program and integrated it with population health management support in 15 primary care practices (24 clinics). We randomized the 24 clinics to usual care (UC), online program alone (OP), or combined intervention (CI). Eligible participants had to be ages 20 to 70 and have a recent primary care visit, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 and