Clinical Updates in Obesity Medicine
Recorded session from the SGIM 2026 Annual Meeting.
Between the high prevalence of obesity, the rapid uptake of highly effective medications, and the sheer volume of weight-related information circulating in the media, obesity treatment has never been more relevant for generalists. Recent estimates suggest over 40% of U.S. adults have obesity, making it one of the most common chronic conditions seen in internal medicine. Obesity prevalence is highest among marginalized groups, compounding health disparities given the multimorbidity associated with the condition — and driving increased healthcare utilization in both inpatient and outpatient settings where internists are frequently involved in care.
This session helps attendees navigate the rapidly expanding field of obesity medicine. Since the last clinical update in 2025, numerous groundbreaking articles have been published, with more expected in the months ahead. Presenters review the past year’s seminal articles across five areas: weight loss medication trials (including weight maintenance after incretin therapy), endoscopic and surgical procedures, lifestyle treatment and counseling, medical education, and obesity-related policy.
Updates include the latest FDA trials for incretin therapies and practical guidance on integrating pharmacotherapy into general practice — including which incretin therapies are available as FDA-approved generics versus direct-to-consumer products that lack FDA approval. The session also covers current recommendations on lifestyle management (physical activity, nutrition, stress management, sleep) and how these integrate with medication, along with developments in obesity training and remote care approaches, including reimbursement.
Presenters
Jacinda M. Nicklas, MD, MPH, MA
Carolyn Bramante, MD, MPH
Jessica L. Schwartz, MD, MHS
William Yancy, MD, MHS
