About this Event
Note: special directions below to conference site
As employers increasingly realize that obesity is a chronic disease with major health complications, they face a coverage decision. Should we cover bariatric surgery? Or is ongoing pharmacologic therapy the best benefit for employee?
Join us for a point-counterpoint from experts on both sides.
Surgery: The Center for Bariatrics at Bailey Medica Center
- JoeBob Kirk, DO, Bariatric Surgeon
- David Steward, Bariatric Program Director
Pharmacologic Treatment: NovoNordisk
- Jessica Chardoulias, PharmD, Medical Account Associate Director
- David Prather, BS, Regional Account Manager for Oklahoma
Learn more about our speakers here.
Why You Should Attend:
The prevalence of obesity among adults in Oklahoma is above 36%, with rates varying based on age, gender, and race/ethnicity. The clinical consequences of obesity are well recognized.
People with obesity, in comparison with those at a healthy weight, are at significantly increased risk for mortality, as well as many chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, some cancers, depression and other mental health disorders, body pain, and sleep apnea. As a result, obesity is a significant driver of direct and indirect costs (lost productivity) in employed populations.
Even though the American Medical Association (AMA) designated obesity as a chronic disease over 10 years ago, many employers have continued to address obesity as if it were treatable only through lifestyle programs.
The idea that obesity is caused by insufficient willpower, lack of discipline, and bad choices no longer stands. With access to appropriate, total person care— including new medications and treatments—patients living with obesity are much more likely to improve their health and quality of life.
The consequences of untreated obesity to employers is huge - employees with obesity cost Oklahoma employers over $1.72 billion dollars in 2021 (medical expenditures/insurance claims, productivity, presenteeism, short- and long-term disability plus special furniture and accommodations).
Register by clicking the green Tickets button above.
Learn more about our speakers here.
Directions to the event meeting room below. Park in Lot E or Lot D. We are in the Conference Center, not the Auditorium.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Oklahoma State University North Hall Conference Center, John Hope Franklin Boulevard, Tulsa, United States
USD 25.00