Description:

Obesity is a significant cause of morbidity not only throughout the United States but within the Armed Forces. Currently, based on DOD Health Policy 07-006, recruits may not have had bariatric surgery prior to joining the Armed Forces and members are not authorized to have bariatric surgery while a member of the Armed Forces. While there are continued barriers to the use of bariatric surgery in active duty personnel, the use of weight loss medications may serve as an alternative to improve medical readiness for Service Members. Obesity is also a significant cause of morbidity and mortality within the Veteran population in the United States. While many Veterans may not be ready for metabolic/bariatric surgery, weight loss medications can serve as either a bridge to surgery or treatment for obesity.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the current state of availability and the use of weight loss medications within the Department of Defense health system and Veterans Health Administration.
2. Describe techniques on how to set up a Metabolic/Bariatric Surgery Clinic to prescribe weight loss medications through in-person and telemedicine visits.
3. Discuss ways to better integrate the care of Service Members and Veterans with obesity with the Defense Health Agency and Veterans Health Administration.