OasisLMS

Obesity significantly impacts employee functionality, productivity, safety, disability, and healthcare costs. Occupational medicine (OM) physicians and professionals are uniquely positioned to advocate for and implement comprehensive obesity benefits within corporate and non-corporate settings. This session presents an integrated framework for “operationalizing” a comprehensive obesity benefit—linking clinical management principles with employer-based implementation strategies. Drawing on recent research, professional guidelines, and case examples, presenters will examine practical approaches, including stepped-care models, benefit designs for different employer sizes, and OEM-specific counseling and referral tools.
Participants will learn how OEM physicians can engage in obesity management within their professional scope—supporting awareness, early involvement, and coordinated care—without taking on a primary treatment role. This session links public health evidence with occupational practice to improve worker well-being and organizational outcomes.

Upon completion of this session, learners will be able to:

• Describe the rationale and framework for a comprehensive obesity benefit within occupational health practice. Differentiate the levels of obesity care (behavioral, pharmacologic, procedural) and identify where OEM physicians contribute within a stepped-care model
• Apply practical tools for obesity-related counseling, screening, and referral in workplace encounters. Recognize how program intensity, employer size, and benefit structure affect outcomes such as productivity and absenteeism.
• Develop strategies to collaborate with employers, benefit designers, and primary care teams to operationalize obesity management programs.