Name
#202 Translating the VA/DoD Adult Overweight and Obesity Guideline into Practice: Equipping Clinicians with Evidence-Based Tools to Improve Outcomes for Veterans and Service Members.
Speakers
Content Presented On Behalf Of:
VHA/VA
Services/Agencies represented
Veterans Health Administration/Veterans Affairs (VHA/VA)
Session Type
Poster
Date
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Start Time
5:00 PM
End Time
7:00 PM
Location
Prince Georges Expo Hall E
Focus Areas/Topics
Clinical Care, Wellbeing, Policy/Management/Administrative
Learning Outcomes
1. The participant will be able to describe the diagnostic criteria and assessment protocols outlined in the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline to ensure accurate identification and evaluation of overweight and obesity.
2. The participant will be able to explain evidence-based treatment modalities, including comprehensive lifestyle interventions, pharmacologic interventions, and patient education, and demonstrate how to integrate them into individualized care plans.
3. The participant will be able to identify the benefits of guideline adherence and recognize the role of ongoing research in improving outcomes for Veterans and active-duty service members affected by overweight and obesity.
2. The participant will be able to explain evidence-based treatment modalities, including comprehensive lifestyle interventions, pharmacologic interventions, and patient education, and demonstrate how to integrate them into individualized care plans.
3. The participant will be able to identify the benefits of guideline adherence and recognize the role of ongoing research in improving outcomes for Veterans and active-duty service members affected by overweight and obesity.
Session Currently Live
Description
Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent in the U.S. civilian population, with similar trends observed among active-duty military personnel and Veterans. Beyond individual health risks, these conditions may also pose a threat to national security. In response, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) collaboratively updated the Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Adult Overweight and Obesity to provide standardized, evidence-based recommendations aimed at improving care and outcomes. An interdisciplinary panel of practicing clinicians led the development of the guideline, adhering to the Institute of Medicine’s standards for trustworthy guidelines. The panel systematically reviewed 651 full-text publications, weighing the benefits and harms of interventions, patient values and preferences, and applicability across diverse populations and settings. This poster highlights key components of the updated guideline recommendations, including diagnostic criteria, assessment protocols, and multimodal treatment strategies. Emphasis is placed on integrating comprehensive lifestyle interventions, pharmacologic options, and patient education into individualized care plans. The guideline also underscores the importance of ongoing research to enhance treatment efficacy. By implementing these recommendations, clinicians can deliver consistent, high-quality care that supports the health and readiness of Veterans and active-duty service members.