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Evaluation

Clinical Session Proposals

Population Health

Session Name: Concurrent Sessions

Assessing health and function by combating age-related sarcopenia, chronic disease, and weight stigma: it’s more than BMI

Friday, November 17, 2023
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM CT
Location: CC 206-207
In-Person On Demand

    Session Director(s)

  • Amy M. West, MD

    Assistant Professor
    Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell
    Long Island City, New York

    Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

    • Faculty(s)

  • Dana H. Kotler, MD

    Physiatrist, Instructor in PM&R
    Harvard Med/Spaulding Rehabilitation
    Cambridge, Massachusetts

    Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

  • Matthew J. Cowling, DO (he/him/his)

    Physician
    Medrina / Adapt Rehab and Wellness
    Madison, Wisconsin

    Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Session Description: In this Session Dr. Amy West, Dr. Matthew Cowling, and Dr. Dana Kotler will discuss the clinical application of diet and exercise to combat chronic disease, functional decline, and age related sarcopenia as well as discuss the Health at Every Size approach to public health.

Diet and exercise can be effective strategies for combating age-related sarcopenia and chronic diseases. Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, which can lead to decreased physical function and an increased risk of falls and injuries. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, are also associated with an increased risk of muscle loss. In addition, weight stigma is very prevalent in the US. That being said, patients seen as “overweight” or “obese” may be treated differently from those with a more traditional athlete appearance. It is important that clinicians can properly assess health status without relying simply on appearance or weight.

Finally, the influence of certain industries, such as the food and pharmaceutical industries, on medical research and education may also contribute to a lack of knowledge about the role of exercise and nutrition in health and disease and what “health” actually looks like.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss the role of nutrition and exercise in the management of chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
  • Explain the benefits of strength training and cardio exercise for improving muscle function and preventing muscle loss.
  • Identify strategies for incorporating exercise into the treatment plans of older adults, including the use of assistive devices and modifications for individuals with chronic conditions.
  • Develop a plan for discussing the importance of exercise and nutrition with patients and providing guidance on making lifestyle changes.
  • Assess health status of an individual beyond merely weight or BMI
  • Meet the needs of overweight/larger bodied athlete community historically marginalized by the medical community, through improving physical exam and procedural skills, and by challenging our assumptions