Fahad Zubair, MD: Tackling Misconceptions, Empowering Patients in Obesity Care

In the second part of an interview with HCPLive, Fahad Zubair, MD, Medical Director of Obesity Medicine, Allegheny Health Network continued his discussion into the best practices in obesity management and the treatment options for patients with obesity.

He described the necessary integration of obesity medicine, endocrinology, and bariatric surgery under one roof, wherein he highlighted his own program. This combination of treatments allows patients to be on multiple options during that timeline, including medication use and progressing towards surgical options.

Zubair noted that bariatric surgery has continued to play a massive role for patients, noting it is a "miracle surgery" for someone with combordities, including diabetes and high blood pressure. The results post-surgery may be even greater, when patients do not require extra medication and have lost more than 50% of their excess body weight, according to Zubair.

He went on to discuss the rising rates of obesity in the United States, noting that 42% of adults aged 18 to 65 years are currently obese and 72% of that same population are considered overweight. As the burden on healthcare subsequently rises, the more treatment options available is crucial.

Zubair discussed the idea of the public health epidemic of obesity and the solutions from both the individual and government level to work to curb the evolving rates. He also noted physicians need to provide better empowerment and education for the patient as an active tool to prevent this burden and enact change.

Once more, Zubair touched on pharamcotherapy for obesity, particuarly removing the misconception and fear surrounding its use. Then, more patients may be more open and accepting towards these new treatments and be able to get their treatment regimen back on track.

Watch part one of the interview on obesity management with Zubair here.