Remarks from John Batsis on behalf of AGS

Faculty Fellow John Batsis MD served as the American Geriatrics Society representative on the Obesity and Equitable Aging Roundtable held by the National Council on Aging Roundtable last October.

Last month, the National Council on Aging held a virtual meeting with Dr. Meena Seshamani, the Deputy Director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS) to provide an overview of the key takeaways from the roundtable, particularly as they related to health equity for Medicare beneficiaries. During the meeting, Batsis presented elements important for the medical management of this older adult, at-risk population on behalf of the American Geriatrics Society and UNC. Below are his prepared remarks:

Thank you for the opportunity to represent the American Geriatrics Society and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am a Geriatrician and Clinician-Researcher whose research focuses on the detrimental impact of obesity in older adults. Our roundtable raised a number of important points. We highlighted that there is emerging and strong evidence in efficacy-based lifestyle-based trials that require both dietary modification but concurrent exercise strategies. We need to go beyond the primary care setting and ensure communities have access to multicomponent programs incorporating both diet and exercise strategies. The emerging use of medications is important as well that requires some discussion – certain individuals may very well be eligible for consideration. Yet, we need to ensure that weight loss is monitored within clinical care – beyond fat mass and with every strategy. What happens to bone and muscle. While screening for osteoporosis is available, availability and screening for weight-loss induced sarcopenia is needed and hopefully the emergence of the new ICD-10 code can be helpful as well. Also, monitoring should anti-obesity medications be prescribe should be strongly considered.

We need to move beyond weight and think about physical function – and encourage systems to change to facilitate that. Put the patient first, focus on multimorbiditiy, and individualize care – a ‘one-size fits all’ does not work and we strongly need programs, evidence, and policies to tailor care to the individual.