Mental health conditions, especially ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, are highly prevalent among individuals with obesity and contribute to both the development and persistence of excess adiposity. Providers are often hesitant to use obesity medications (OMs), particularly oral OMs, in this population due to concerns around safety, drug-drug interactions, and neuropsychiatric risks. However, avoiding treatment contributes to therapeutic inertia, suboptimal outcomes, and widening health disparities.

This practical session will provide attendees with an evidence-based framework for managing obesity in patients with coexisting behavioral health conditions. We will review how to safely and effectively use oral OMs particularly when GLP-1 & GIP receptor agonists are contraindicated, unavailable, or unaffordable. Emphasis will be placed on aligning medication choices with coexisting psychiatric symptoms. The session will also address recent concerns about GLP-1 & GIP therapies and anxiety, depression and suicidality and review what the current data shows. Attendees will gain tools for safely prescribing and titrating medications for anxiety and depression in non-psychiatric settings.

CME/CE Expiration Date: 4/12/29

*The expiration date listed above is the last day CME/CE credit can be claimed for this specific presentation.