Building a Medical–Surgical Obesity Center in an Academic Health System: Lessons Learned

Abstract

Background:

Obesity is associated with adverse health effects and is common in the United States and West Virginia. We describe the development of a medical–surgical obesity center in an academic health system in West Virginia.

Methods:

With institutional leadership guidance, the Surgery and Medicine departments collaborated to form this program. Evidence-based interventions were implemented using standardized scalable workflows. Patient demographics, comorbidities, medications, and preliminary outcomes were analyzed.

Outcomes:

Between May 1, 2019, and August 31, 2020, 447 new obesity medicine patients were seen. Average body mass index was 43.5 ± 10.5 kg/m² (range 23.5–101 kg/m²). Average age was 48 ± 13 years (range 19–81 years). Eighty-five percent were female. Ninety-four percent were Caucasian. Seventeen percent had prior bariatric surgery. Common comorbidities were hypertension (69%), depression (65%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (63%), obstructive sleep apnea (46%), and diabetes mellitus type 2 (36%). In a sample population of patients served by one insurance carrier (n = 76), participants experienced statistically significant weight loss in the program: 15 lbs (5.3%) of weight loss (p < 0.01 for pre- vs. post-intervention weight), and 42% lost at least 5% of weight.

Conclusions:

This successful implementation of a medical–surgical obesity center can become a model for other health systems looking to treat obesity and improve their patients' health.