Adult Obesity Management Webinar Resources

About the Webinar

The Adult Obesity Management Webinar: Obesity Treatment and Cancer Risk Reduction was developed for the healthcare community, with a particular focus on supporting primary care clinicians in delivering evidence-based obesity care. This continuing education session, presented by Dr. Christie Befort, PhD, and Dr. Cathleen Beaver, MD, from the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) and The University of Kansas Health System (TUKHS), was part of the Cancer Screening and Prevention in Action webinar series and provided practical, real-world guidance on managing obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease.

The webinar covered:

Evidence-based lifestyle interventions, including nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral strategies
Use of FDA-approved anti-obesity medications and patient-centered treatment selection
Indications for metabolic and bariatric surgery
The relationship between obesity and cancer risk, and how weight reduction can contribute to cancer prevention

Participants also explored how to implement these strategies in real-world primary care settings—especially in rural and resource-constrained environments—while addressing barriers such as access, cost, and long-term adherence.

Looking for more tools and resources? Visit the RETOOL (Rural Engagement in Treatment Options for Obesity and Lifestyle) website for additional clinical resources, patient education materials, and implementation support for obesity management in primary care.

Download a PDF of the webinar's slide deck here!

Obesity Management

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is obesity management important in primary care?

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease that increases the risk of multiple chronic conditions, including at least 13 types of cancer. Primary care clinicians play a critical role in early identification, counseling, and long-term management.

What is the recommended approach to treating obesity?

Current guidelines support a comprehensive, stepwise approach, including:

Lifestyle interventions (nutrition, physical activity, behavior change)
Pharmacotherapy when indicated
Metabolic/bariatric surgery for eligible patients

These strategies should be individualized and delivered as long-term, ongoing care, not one-time counseling.

Do lifestyle interventions alone work?

Yes—but they require intensity and consistency. Structured programs with frequent follow-up (e.g., ≥14 sessions/year) can lead to meaningful weight loss (5–10% or more). However, many patients benefit from combining lifestyle changes with medications or other therapies.

When should anti-obesity medications be considered?

Medications are appropriate for:

BMI ≥30, or
BMI ≥27 with obesity-related comorbidities

They should be used alongside lifestyle interventions and selected based on patient preferences, cost, comorbidities, and contraindications.

Are GLP-1 and newer medications effective?

Yes. Newer agents (e.g., GLP-1 and dual agonists) can produce significant weight loss (often 10–20%+) and improve metabolic health. However, access, cost, and insurance coverage remain important barriers.

How does weight loss impact cancer risk?

Weight reduction is associated with:

Lower incidence of several obesity-related cancers
Reduced inflammation and improved metabolic health
Significant cancer risk reduction following bariatric surgery

Even modest weight loss (5–10%) can improve overall health outcomes.

What are common barriers in rural or primary care settings?

Limited access to healthy foods and physical activity resources
Cost and insurance coverage for medications
Time constraints during visits
Lack of multidisciplinary support

These barriers highlight the importance of practical, scalable strategies and team-based care.

How can clinicians start addressing obesity if they feel overwhelmed?

Start small:

Document BMI and initiate the conversation
Provide brief counseling and educational materials
Set realistic, patient-centered goals
Use follow-up visits or team members (e.g., care managers) for ongoing support

Even acknowledging and addressing obesity is a meaningful first step.

What do patients want from their clinicians?

Patients consistently report wanting:

Respect and non-judgmental care
Clear treatment options
Accountability and follow-up
Encouragement and long-term partnership in care

Where can I find ready-to-use tools and resources?

The RETOOL website offers:

Clinical protocols and workflows
Patient education materials
Implementation tools for primary care practices
Resources tailored to rural settings