Sarcopenic obesity represents a condition of excess adiposity (body fat) and low muscle mass or muscle function and strength. This condition is far more prevalent and problematic than many realized, and certain patient populations are at increased risk for sarcopenic obesity. New, highly-effective anti-obesity medications such as semaglutide 2.4mg  (Wegovy), and anti-diabetes medications such as semaglutide 2.0mg (Ozempic) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and  could potentially increase the risk of sarcopenic obesity, unless clinicians and patients are properly educated on how to prevent patients from losing an excessive amount of muscle mass and function.

Listen in as host Karli Burridge interviews obesity specialist NP Sandra (Sam) Christensen about sarcopenic obesity, how we can recognize it in our patients, and how we can prevent it!

Sandra is a Family NP, who has been specializing in obesity medicine since 2005. In 2009, she founded Integrative Medical Weight Management with the goal of providing comprehensive evidence-based treatment in a healing, inspiring setting.She have been an active member of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) since 2005 and currently serve as a Trustee on the OMA Board of Trustees. Recipient of the Dr. Raymond E. Dietz Meritorious Service Award in 2018. Recipient of the Committee Leadership Award for my role in creating the OMA Speakers Bureau in 2019 and Clinician of the year in 2022. She is a founding member of the Washington Obesity Society (WOS)

In addition to writing a book, A Clinician’s Guide to Discussing Obesity with Patients, published in April 2021 by Springer, she has also authored several professional articles, including peer-reviewed articles, including several Clinical Practice Statements in the Obesity Pillars journal, and is a contributing author of the OMA Obesity Algorithm.

Support the show

The Gaining Health Podcast will release a new episode monthly, every second or third Wednesday of the month. Episodes including interviews with obesity experts as well as scientific updates and new guidelines for the management of obesity.

If you're a clinician or organization looking to start or optimize an obesity management program, and you want additional support and resources, check out the Gaining Health website! We offer a Roadmap to starting an obesity program or practice, pre-recorded Master Classes, digital resources including patient education materials and office forms, and much more!
Check out our resources on our Gaining Health Shop!

If you are loving this podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon