Obesity: A Disease

Episode 129: Clinical Conversations: 22.06.2026 27min

In this episode, Obesity Medicine Specialist and OMA Clinical Education Director Dr. Nicholas Pennings is joined by Co-Clinical Education Director, Dr. Kirsten Frederiksen, together, they unpack the physiology behind rapid weight regain after stopping obesity medications, explore the most effective dietary and lifestyle strategies for long-term weight maintenance, and discuss how clinicians can reframe the conversation with patients from the very start of treatment. Episode Guest: Kirsten Frederiksen, MD, MSc, FACP, FOMA, DABOM Episode Host: Nicholas Pennings, DO, DABOM, MFOMA, FACOFP, FAAFP

Episode 128: Clinical Conversations: Protein, Muscle, and Sarcopenic Obesity 25.05.2026 32min

In this episode, Obesity Medicine Specialist and OMA Clinical Education Director Dr. Nicholas Pennings sits down with Dr. Renee Rogers for an insightful discussion on the critical role of muscle preservation during weight loss therapy. Together, they explore the latest evidence surrounding lean mass retention and share practical, evidence-based strategies clinicians can apply to help patients maintain muscle, enhance metabolic health, and achieve more sustainable treatment outcomes. Episode Guest: Renee Rogers, PhD, FACSM, FTOS, and Chair of ACSM’s Strategic Health Initiative (SHI) for Behavior and Chair of ACSM’s International Health & Fitness Summit Episode Host: Nicholas Pennings, DO, DABOM, MFOMA, FACOFP, FAAFP

Episode 127: Clinical Conversations: Nutrition in the GLP-1 Era 06.04.2026 26min

In this Episode, Obesity Medicine Specialist and OMA Clinical Education Director Dr. Nicholas Pennings engages in a discussion with Dr. Sue Benson Davies, exploring evidence-informed strategies to prevent undernutrition during weight loss in the evolving landscape of GLP-1–based care. Together, they examine optimal protein targets, approaches to managing food aversion and diminished appetite, and practical nutrition counseling techniques to support safe and sustainable patient outcomes. Episode Guest: Sue Benson-Davies, PhD, DCN, MPH, RDN, LN, FAND Episode Host: Nicholas Pennings, DO, DABOM, MFOMA, FACOFP, FAAFP

Episode 126: Industry Insights: Metabolic Resting Rate 03.04.2026 54min

In this Industry Insights episode of Obesity: A Disease, host Dr. Christopher Weber welcomes Dr. Cameron Garber and Dr. Marc Humbert, metabolic testing specialists with Korr Medical Technologies and hosts of the Metabolic Mastery podcast. Dr. Garber and Dr. Humbert join Dr. Christopher Weber for a focused discussion on resting metabolic rate, exploring its role as a vital sign, its application in nutritional planning, and what the future holds for metabolic testing. This episode is sponsored by Korr Medical Technologies. To learn more about Korr’s metabolic test equipment, visit //KORR.com/OMA or visit them at booth #113 at the 2026 Obesity Medicine Conference in San Diego, CA. Episode Guests: Cameron Garber, DPT Marc Humbert, DPT Episode Host: Christopher Weber, MD, FAAP, FACP, CSCS, DABOM, FOMA The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not represent the views or positions of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA). This content is intended for informational purposes only.

Episode 125: Industry Insights: Surmount OSA Trial 31.03.2026 19min

In this Industry Insights episode of Obesity: A Disease, host Dr. Christopher Weber welcomes Dr. Kevin Trice, Executive Director in the Global Medical Affairs Division of Cardiometabolic Health at Eli Lilly. Dr. Trice will be speaking today on behalf of Lilly. This material is developed under the direction and sponsorship of Lilly Medical Affairs and is intended for US healthcare professional only. Dr. Trice is an employee of Eli Lilly. Dr. Kevin Trice joins Dr. Christopher Weber for a focused discussion on the key findings from the SURMOUNT-OSA trial and their implications for clinical practice. Together, they explore how this landmark study informs the evolving management of obesity and obstructive sleep apnea. This episode is sponsored by Lilly. Episode Guest: Kevin Trice, MD, MBA Episode Host: Christopher Weber, MD, FAAP, FACP, CSCS, DABOM, FOMA Note From the Sponsor *When discussing tirzepatide for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity, it’s important to emphasize that its safety profile mirrors what we’ve seen in obesity and diabetes indications. The most frequent adverse events are gastrointestinal—nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation—typically emerging during dose escalation and generally mild to moderate in severity. While these symptoms often resolve over time, clinicians should monitor for persistence or intolerance, as discontinuation, though uncommon, can occur. Serious but rare risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease; patients presenting with severe abdominal pain warrant immediate evaluation. Tirzepatide carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors based on rodent data, with uncertain relevance to humans. It is contraindicated in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2. Physicians should counsel patients on recognizing symptoms such as neck swelling or persistent hoarseness. Additional precautions include vigilance for severe gastrointestinal symptoms, hypersensitivity reactions, and pancreatitis. Use during pregnancy is not recommended, and effective contraception should be discussed. Finally, consider potential drug interactions and reinforce lifestyle interventions to optimize outcomes alongside pharmacotherapy.*

Episode 124: The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods on Pediatric Health 20.11.2025 42min

In this episode of Obesity: A Disease, Dr. Suzanne Cuda, Executive Editor of the Obesity Medicine Association’s Obesity Pillars online journal, interviews Dr. Sarah Ro and Dr. Sushma Chamarthi about their co-authored article, The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods on Pediatric Health, published in Obesity Pillars. Together they discuss the impact and increasing prevalence of ultra-processed foods into pediatric diets. Episode Guests: Sarah Ro, MD, DABOM Sushma Chamarthi, MD, FAAP, DABOM Episode Host: Suzanne Cuda, MD, FOMA, FAAP Related Resources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667368125000476

Episode 123: Obesity and Orthopedic Surgical Care - Challenges and Advances 06.11.2025 18min

In this eighth and final episode of the series, Dr. Allison Rhodes concludes the discussion on obesity and orthopedic health with Dr. Cherise Dyal, focusing on the unique post-operative risks and recovery challenges following lower extremity surgery in patients with obesity. Together, they examine complications in lower extremity procedures that can be influenced by obesity, as well as the factors contributing to extended recovery timelines and complex rehabilitation needs. The episode also explores strategies to enhance surgical and functional outcomes. Dr. Rhodes and Dr. Dyal underscore the importance of a team-based, patient-centered approach that supports safe recovery, sustained mobility, and long-term musculoskeletal health. This podcast offers 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. To claim credit please visit the OMA Academy. *This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. Episode Guest: Dr. Cherise Dyal, MD, DABOM is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery and is also Board Certified in Obesity Medicine. Episode Host: Allison Rhodes, MD, FOMA, Obesity Medicine Physician with the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Episode 122: Obesity and Orthopedic Surgery with Dr. Cherise Dyal 06.11.2025 20min

In this seventh episode of our eight part series, Dr. Allison Rhodes welcomes Dr. Cherise Dyal, MD, DABOM. Dr. Dyal is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and together, they examine the complex relationship between obesity and lower extremity disorders. The discussion explores the heightened prevalence of foot, ankle, hip, and knee conditions among individuals with obesity and how these issues contribute to pain, reduced mobility, and diminished quality of life. Dr. Dyal provides a clinical perspective on the management of common lower extremity conditions in patients with obesity, as well as strategies to optimize patient outcomes. The episode highlights evidence-based approaches that support mobility, mitigate progression, and enhance overall musculoskeletal health. This podcast offers 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. To claim credit please visit the OMA Academy. *This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. Episode Guest: Dr. Cherise Dyal, MD, DABOM is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery and is also Board Certified in Obesity Medicine. Episode Host: Allison Rhodes, MD, FOMA, Obesity Medicine Physician with the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Episode 121: Endocrine Challenges and Advances in Patients with Obesity 23.10.2025 25min

In this sixth episode of our eight part series, Dr. Allison Rhodes welcomes back Dr. Megha Poddar, MD, FRCPC, DABOM, to explore the unique challenges of managing endocrine disorders in patients with obesity. They discuss the complexities of medication dosing and efficacy, diagnostic limitations, and barriers to lifestyle change, along with the long-term management of diabetes, PCOS, and thyroid disease and their impact on metabolic and reproductive health. The conversation also highlights exciting advances in endocrine care, updates in fertility and PCOS management, and the integration of metabolic surgery into treatment plans. Together, Dr. Rhodes and Dr. Poddar emphasize the importance of a compassionate, patient-centered approach that addresses the interconnected nature of hormone and metabolic health to support better long-term outcomes. This podcast offers 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. To claim credit please visit the OMA Academy. *This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. Episode Guest: Megha Poddar, MD, FRCPC, DABOM is an endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist, Medical Director of the Medical Weight Management Centre of Canada, and Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University Host: Allison Rhodes, MD, FOMA, Obesity Medicine Physician with the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Episode 120: Obesity and Endocrinology with Dr. Megha Poddar 23.10.2025 30min

In this fifth episode of our eight part series, Dr. Allison Rhodes is joined by Dr. Megha Poddar, MD, FRCPC, DABOM, to explore how obesity intersects with hormone health. Together, they examine the complex relationship between obesity and endocrine function, highlighting how hormonal imbalances influence metabolic and reproductive health. Dr. Poddar discusses key conditions linked to obesity, including insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, MASLD/MASH, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The conversation also emphasizes the importance of early screening, lifestyle interventions, and collaboration between endocrinology and obesity medicine to improve patient outcomes. This podcast offers 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. To claim credit please visit the OMA Academy. *This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. Episode Guest: Megha Poddar, MD, FRCPC, DABOM is an endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist, Medical Director of the Medical Weight Management Centre of Canada, and Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University Host: Allison Rhodes, MD, FOMA, Obesity Medicine Physician with the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Episode 119: Obesity and Gynecologic Care – Challenges and Advances 16.10.2025 11min

Hosted by Dr. Allison Rhodes, this exciting new 8 part series explores how obesity intersects with a wide range of medical specialties. In each episode, we’ll dive into the challenges and opportunities for improving patient care when addressing obesity in different clinical contexts. In this fourth episode, Dr. Allison Rhodes is joined again by Dr. Kimberley Sampson-Paine to explore the unique challenges and advances in gynecological care for patients with obesity. Building on the foundation of Episode 3, they shift the focus to clinical management and treatment advances. This podcast offers 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. To claim credit please visit the OMA Academy. *This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. Episode Guest: Kimberley Sampson-Paine, MD, MSc, FACOG, DABOM, DACLM, MSCP, FOMA, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Assistant Professor at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, and Vice President of the New England Obesity Society Host: Allison Rhodes, MD, FOMA, Obesity Medicine Physician with the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Episode 118: Obesity and Gynecologic Care with Dr. Sampson-Paine 16.10.2025 12min

Hosted by Dr. Allison Rhodes, this exciting new 8 part series explores how obesity intersects with a wide range of medical specialties. In each episode, we’ll dive into the challenges and opportunities for improving patient care when addressing obesity in different clinical contexts. In this third episode, Dr. Allison Rhodes is joined by Dr. Kimberley Sampson-Paine to explore how obesity impacts women’s reproductive health. They discuss key gynecological conditions, including menstrual irregularities, infertility, PCOS, pregnancy complications, and increased cancer risk and highlight the importance of early screening, prevention strategies, and patient-centered care to improve outcomes. This episode offers 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. To claim credit please visit the OMA Academy. *This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. Episode Guest: Kimberley Sampson-Paine, MD, MSc, FACOG, DABOM, DACLM, MSCP, FOMA, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Assistant Professor at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, and Vice President of the New England Obesity Society Host: Allison Rhodes, MD, FOMA, Obesity Medicine Physician with the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Episode 117: Obesity and Cardiac Care – Challenges and Advances 03.10.2025 16min

Hosted by Dr. Allison Rhodes, this exciting new 8-part series explores how obesity intersects with a wide range of medical specialties. In each episode, we’ll dive into the challenges and opportunities for improving patient care when addressing obesity in different clinical contexts. In this second episode, we return to the world of cardiac care with Dr. Alison Bailey. Dr. Rhodes and Dr. Bailey discuss cardiac complications associated with obesity and explore the latest advances in treatment and patient management. Together, they highlight how emerging approaches and cross-specialty collaboration are shaping better outcomes for patients at risk of or living with heart disease. This podcast offers 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. To claim credit please visit the OMA Academy. *This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. Episode Guest: Alison Bailey, MD, FAACVPR, FACC, FASPC, chief of Cardiology for Centennial Heart at Parkridge in Chattanooga, Tennessee and a Physician Director of Cardiovascular Disease for HCA Healthcare Host: Allison Rhodes, MD, FOMA, Obesity Medicine Physician with the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Episode 116: Obesity and Cardiac Care with Dr. Allison Bailey 02.10.2025 15min

Hosted by Dr. Allison Rhodes, this exciting new 8 part series explores how obesity intersects with a wide range of medical specialties. In each episode, we’ll dive into the challenges and opportunities for improving patient care when addressing obesity in different clinical contexts. In our premiere episode, we turn our focus to cardiac care with Dr. Alison Bailey, a leading voice in cardiovascular medicine. Together, Dr. Rhodes and Dr. Bailey unpack how obesity impacts heart health, the unique challenges cardiologists face in treating patients with obesity, and the opportunities for collaboration across specialties to improve outcomes. This podcast offers 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. To claim credit please visit the OMA Academy. *This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc. Episode Guest: Alison Bailey, MD, FAACVPR, FACC, FASPC, Chief of Cardiology for Centennial Heart at Parkridge in Chattanooga, Tennessee and a Physician Director of Cardiovascular Disease for HCA Healthcare Host: Allison Rhodes, MD, FOMA, Obesity Medicine Physician with the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Episode 115: Clinical Conversations: Evidence Based Management of MASLD and MASH in Patients with Obesity 25.09.2025 21min

In this Episode, Obesity Medicine Specialist and OMA Clinical Education Director Dr. Nicholas Pennings engages in a discussion with Dr. Scott Isaacs a highlighted speaker from the Obesity Medicine 2025 Conference session Evidence-Based Management of MASLD and MASH in Patients with Obesity. In this episode, they will explore practical strategies for early identification and risk stratification, as well as evidence-based lifestyle and pharmacological interventions for the treatment of MASLD and MASH. Episode Guests: Scott Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, DABOM

Episode 114: Clinical Conversations: Emotional Brain Training 17.07.2025 22min

In this Episode, Obesity Medicine Specialist and OMA Clinical Education Director Dr. Nicholas Pennings engages in a discussion with Dr. Laurel Mellin a highlighted speaker from the Obesity Medicine 2025 Conference session Emotional Brain Training: Treat the Stress Response for Lasting Weight Loss. In this episode, they will explore the physiological roots of stress eating and the importance of integrating behavioral approaches into obesity treatment. Dr. Mellin introduces Emotional Brain Training (EBT) as a tool to rewire stress circuits, highlighting how addressing the emotional brain can support long-term weight loss and improve overall brain health. Episode Guests: Laurel Mellin, PhD

Episode 113: Article Reviews: Optimizing nutrition, diet, and lifestyle communication in GLP-1 medication therapy for weight management 26.06.2025 24min

In this episode, Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Chief Science Officer, Harold Bays, MD, FOMA, FTOS, FACC, FNLA, FASPC interviews David Despain, MSc/MSc, CFS. Our experts discuss the Obesity Pillars Article Optimizing nutrition, diet, and lifestyle communication in GLP-1 medication therapy for weight management: A qualitative research study with registered dietitians for which David is a co-author. Obesity Pillars is the official Gold Open Access journal of the Obesity Medicine Association, available exclusively online. In our article review podcasts, we carefully select articles from the latest version of Obesity Pillars, which is devoted to the publication of clinical and evidence-based research for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other health care clinicians in the field of obesity medicine. Obesity Pillars can be found at https://www.journals.elsevier.com/obesity-pillars. We then discuss this new science with obesity experts. To access other resources from the clinical leader in Obesity Medicine, please visit: www.obesitymedicine.org Episode Guest: David Despain, MSc/MSc, CFS Related Resources: Optimizing nutrition, diet, and lifestyle communication in GLP-1 medication therapy for weight management: A qualitative research study with registered dietitians https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667368124000457

Episode 112: Article Reviews: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) in Children with Obesity 01.05.2025 22min

In this episode, Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Chief Science Officer, Harold Bays, MD, FOMA, FTOS, FACC, FNLA, FASPC interviews Dr. Sara Karjoo, MD, CPE, FOMA, DABOM. Our experts discuss the Obesity Pillars Article Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children with obesity: An Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) and expert joint perspective 2025 for which Dr. Karjoo is a co-author. Obesity Pillars is the official Gold Open Access journal of the Obesity Medicine Association, available exclusively online. In our article review podcasts, we carefully select articles from the latest version of Obesity Pillars, which is devoted to the publication of clinical and evidence-based research for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other health care clinicians in the field of obesity medicine. Obesity Pillars can be found at https://www.journals.elsevier.com/obesity-pillars. We then discuss this new science with obesity experts. To access other resources from the clinical leader in Obesity Medicine, please visit: www.obesitymedicine.org Episode Guests: Sara Karjoo, MD, CPE, FOMA, DABOM Related Resources: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children with obesity: An Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) and expert joint perspective 2025 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667368125000087

Episode 111: Clinical Conversations: 75th Anniversary Podcast 31.03.2025 34min

In this Episode, Obesity Medicine Specialist and OMA Clinical Education Director Dr. Nicholas Pennings sits down with Dr. Allen Rader to discuss the fascinating history of obesity care. From the early days of understanding and treating obesity to today’s evidence-based approaches, they explore how the field has evolved over the decades. The conversation delves into key turning points in research and treatment, highlighting the milestones that have shaped modern obesity medicine. Episode Guests: Allen Rader, MD, MFOMA

Episode 110: Article Reviews: Practice Analysis 27.03.2025 17min

In this episode, Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Chief Science Officer, Harold Bays, MD, FOMA, FTOS, FACC, FNLA, FASPC interviews Dr. Kimberly Gudzune, MD, MPH, FTOS. Our experts discuss the Obesity Pillars Article Duties, tasks, knowledge and skills of an obesity medicine physician: A practice analysis, for which Dr. Gudzune is the primary author. Obesity Pillars is the official Gold Open Access journal of the Obesity Medicine Association, available exclusively online. In our article review podcasts, we carefully select articles from the latest version of Obesity Pillars, which is devoted to the publication of clinical and evidence-based research for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other health care clinicians in the field of obesity medicine. Obesity Pillars can be found at https://www.journals.elsevier.com/obesity-pillars. We then discuss this new science with obesity experts. To access other resources from the clinical leader in Obesity Medicine, please visit: www.obesitymedicine.org Episode Guests: Kimberly A. Gudzune, MD, MPH, FTOS Related Resources: Duties, tasks, knowledge and skills of an obesity medicine physician: A practice analysis: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667368124000494