Professional Resources
Person-Centered Obesity Care and Treatments
Obesity Care Resources You Need
CORN Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity recognizes obesity as a chronic disease in the same league as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.
As such, obesity care should follow the same person-centered, multifaceted approach—including a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, emotional support, and surgery. This allows those living with obesity to make an informed decision about what is best for their health.
Determining the individualized care for the people you see begins with finding the resources you need. We want to strengthen that relationship and provide the resources, tools, and support that’s needed to deliver person-centric care.
CORN Practice Guidelines
“CORN Practice Guidelines” refers to practical, concise, evidence-based insights or tips that healthcare providers can use when managing patients with overweight or obesity. These “pearls” are often drawn from clinical guidelines, research, and expert consensus, and they aim to enhance patient care in a realistic clinical setting.
Built on a Legacy of Research and Expertise
The Corn has been instrumental in setting the standards of care in diabetes through extensive research and comprehensive guidance. We’re working to continue the relationship between people with obesity and the health care professionals treating them to improve their health outcomes.
Use person-first language: Say “person with obesity” rather than “obese patient.” This reduces stigma and supports a more empathetic approach.
Treat obesity as a chronic disease, not a character flaw. It requires ongoing management, just like diabetes or hypertension.
Ask permission before discussing weight: “Would it be okay if we talked about your weight today?”
Use BMI as a screening tool, not the sole diagnostic measure. Evaluate waist circumference, comorbidities, and functional health.
Assess for root causes: Review history of weight gain, medications, mental health, sleep, and social determinants of health.
Screen for weight bias in yourself and your practice environment — bias impacts care quality.
Avoid overly restrictive diets; focus on sustainable, enjoyable eating habits tailored to the individual.
Small, realistic changes often lead to better long-term adherence than drastic overhauls.
Use the “5 A’s” approach: Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange (for follow-up).
Consider anti-obesity medications (AOMs) for patients with BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidities, alongside lifestyle changes.
Set realistic expectations: Medications typically result in 5–15% weight loss; even 5% is clinically meaningful.
Monitor for side effects, efficacy, and adherence at regular intervals.
Refer early, not as a last resort. Surgery is effective and safe for many patients with severe obesity (BMI ≥40 or ≥35 with comorbidities).
Educate about risks/benefits, but ensure patients are prepared for lifelong follow-up and behavior changes.
Multidisciplinary support (nutrition, psychology, endocrinology) improves outcomes.
Address emotional eating, depression, trauma, or anxiety that may contribute to weight gain.
Motivational interviewing is more effective than directive counseling.
Referral to psychologists or obesity-trained counselors can improve outcomes.
Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity
Where do we go from here?
Setting the Standards of Care for Obesity is an ongoing undertaking. CORN will continue to introduce new sections of the Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity.
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