The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) has released a toolkit to help with the management of obesity in older adults. The toolkit is based on the society’s KAER Framework, which consists of four steps: Kickstart, Assess, Evaluate, and Refer Adults. Although aimed primarily at primary care teams, the kit contains plenty of information and resources for active-aging organizations, as well. 

Now defined as a disease by the American Medical Association, obesity is a complex medical condition that is linked to premature death from type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, according to GSA.

Overweight and obesity can also have considerable psychological implications, including feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and mood problems in addition to its impact on function and mobility. GSA notes that, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41.5% of Americans ages 60 years or older are obese.

The kit supports primary care and other practitioners to:

• Kickstart the weight management conversation with a focus on obesity as a disease, not a behavioral issue or problem based on poor choices;
• Assess for overweight and obesity, underlying conditions, contributing medications, and overall health;
• Evaluate and discuss treatment options, support implementation and monitor outcomes;
• Refer to community resources to assist on the weight management journey.
  

GSA also makes additional resources available on overweight and obesity, including podcasts, publications, and other materials.

To download the obesity toolkit, click here

For additional obesity-related GSA publications, click here