In this Momentum Discussions Podcast episode, Joseph Sapone reflects on his weight journey. He provides us with unique perspectives of an older adult who has lived in a larger body size for most of his adult life. He shares how stigma and bias have affected him in his personal and professional life as well as in healthcare and other settings. Joe discusses how a comprehensive approach to obesity management has helped him to achieve his health and wellness goals, and he offers insights into why it is so important that older adults have access to the full continuum of obesity care. 

Download the transcript.

This podcast episode is supported by Novo Nordisk. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

In this Momentum Discussions Podcast episode, obesity advocate Ted Kyle shares a bit about his personal history with obesity and how this influenced his vital work as an advocate. He discusses his perspectives on how false beliefs and outdated paradigms along with stigma and bias negatively affect individuals living with obesity. Finally, he explains that good obesity care requires access to the full range of obesity care tools, and he offers a message to policymakers about the need to offer older adults access to the full range of obesity care options. 

Download the transcript.

This podcast episode is supported by Novo Nordisk. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

The GSA Momentum Discussion webinar, Seven Strategies for Quality Obesity Care for Older Adults, explored critical issues surrounding obesity as a chronic disease and strategies to improve care for older adults. The discussion highlights the need for an evidence-based, interprofessional approach to obesity management. Panelists addressed persistent stigma and bias in healthcare, disparities in access to treatment, and the importance of cultural considerations in obesity care. They also emphasized the necessity of Medicare coverage for comprehensive obesity care and discussed the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) as a potential solution. The conversation concluded with a look at emerging innovations and therapies that could enhance quality of life for older adults with obesity.

Support provided by Novo Nordisk.

In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Dr. John A. Batsis, co-convener of the GSA Obesity and Aging Interest Group, describes exciting findings about how obesity management medications positively impact a variety of major medical conditions. He also describes the unique needs of older adults with obesity and highlights the need for evidence-based, team-based care for them. 

Download the Transcript

This podcast episode is supported by Novo Nordisk. Content was developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

The Gerontological Society of America KAER Toolkit for the Management of Obesity in Older Adults is intended to support primary care teams who seek to implement a comprehensive approach to help older adults with overweight and obesity recognize and care for their condition.

It includes practical approaches, educational resources, and validated clinical tools that teams can integrate into their workflows. 

Click here to view a scrollable version of this publication.

To learn about the recent KAER Toolkit updates, click here.

Support provided by Novo Nordisk.

In June 2023 in Washington, DC, GSA hosted a roundtable discussion with researchers, clinicians, and advocates who were asked to address key questions about obesity as a disease of body weight regulation and how outdated paradigms and perceptions about obesity can be improved among health professionals, policymakers, and the public. That discussion produced valuable information on key aspects of obesity care across the lifespan and particularly in clinical care for older adults. This report presents the roundtable’s insights, which are discussed in the framework of seven strategies for addressing barriers to quality obesity care for older adults. 

Click here to view a scrollable version of this publication.

Support provided by Novo Nordisk.

The National Caucus and Center on Black Aging (NCBA) developed the report “Stuck in the Middle” to address all aspects of obesity, including but not limited to causes, effects, statistical profiles, myths and misconceptions, public policy, ways to address obesity, resources for managing obesity, barriers to accessing a full continuum of care, and more. In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, the report author and NCBA’s Director of Health Programs discuss key points from the report, whose target audience is the African American community, in which obesity occurs at an inordinately high rate.  They share insights from the report that is written in laymen’s language in order to reach as broad an audience as possible, and they highlight why action is urgently needed to support African Americans to access the full spectrum of quality obesity care.

Download the Transcript

For more information on speakers of this session, visit podbean for details.

Support provided by Novo Nordisk.

This GSA Momentum Discussion Webinar focuses on obesity as a chronic and often untreated disease, inextricably linked to common health conditions that impact the health and mobility of older adults. The panel makes the case that these health conditions need to be treated intently by an interprofessional healthcare team while also addressing the common root cause of obesity. They describe how by using the GSA KAER—Kickstart, Assess, Evaluate, Refer—Framework and the tools and resources in the GSA KAER Toolkit for the Management of Obesity in Older Adults primary care teams can support older adults with obesity to recognize and care for their condition. 

Support provided by Novo Nordisk

The National Consumers League and National Council on Aging worked with health leaders and obesity specialists to establish a set of rights so people with obesity will be screened, diagnosed, counseled and effectively treated for their overweight and obesity based on medical treatment guidelines. During the Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, leaders from these two organizations discuss the impetus for and development of the Obesity Bill of Rights and discuss each of the eight rights included in it. They share what is next for their organizations around the Bill of Rights and share how others can join the movement to help ensure person-centered quality obesity care for adults living with the chronic disease of obesity.

Download the Transcript

For more information on speakers of this session, visit podbean for details.

In June 2023 the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) convened 15 multidisciplinary leaders in a roundtable discussion on Addressing Barriers to Accessing a Full Range of Evidence-Based Obesity Care Options by Older Adults. This poster, presented during the 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting, illustrates key findings from this roundtable discussion including seven strategies to address barriers to quality obesity care for older adults.