DocTalk Tweet Chat "Obesity Burdens" Scheduled for August 21

Body mass index (BMI), the simple value which determines body weight categorization, tells us obesity is an epidemic. It tells global leading health authorities including the World Health Organization (WHO) that obesity has tripled in the population since 1975, and that currently 4 in every 10 adults were overweight as of 2016.

BMI also tells clinicians whether patients qualify for critical methods of care, including bariatric surgery. The potential of such a treatment for an unhealthy patient is so significant that it puts a great stress on BMI—a stress which guidelines including that of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) tries to relieve.

This week’s #DocTalk is taking a look at obesity—from its big-picture role in public health concerns, to its intricate influence on invasive procedure standards.

#DocTalk is a weekly conversation featured on Twitter that focuses on the biggest issues in healthcare today. Join us on Wednesday, August 21 at 6 PM EST for the start of our chat, featuring Stacy Brethauer, MD, Professor of Surgery and Vice Chair of Surgery for Quality and Patient Safety at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (@StacyBrethauer).

Brethauer, whose clinical expertise and experience as the past ASMBS President influenced updated bariatric surgery guideline criteria, will lead discussion on the following questions:

• How is obesity affecting the state of US health?
• What are the greatest individual risks associated with obesity and weight gain?
• How will obesity burden the population in the future?
• How does bariatric surgery stand as a treatment option for patients struggling with obesity?
• What do the new BMI guidelines mean for patients who would benefit from the surgery?
• How should physicians navigate patient discussion on addressing and treating issues with obesity?
• What are the misconceptions associated with bariatric surgery and the patients who received it?
• Overall, how have the efficacy and safety of invasive procedures advanced the acceptance of surgery as a primary treatment option in the US?

We invite all interested Twitter users to participate in the chat and contribute their own perspective and questions.

Be sure to search for “#DocTalk,” follow MD Mag on Twitter (@MDMagazine), and look for the social media icon signifying the chat:

If you’re a frequent Twitter user with a background in healthcare and interest in leading a #DocTalk chat with your colleagues, contact us here.