AGENDA
Subject to change
7:00–7:30 AM
Breakfast, Registration, and Exhibits - Juniper Ballroom
7:30–8:15 AM
Industry-Sponsored Event* - Mahogany Ballroom
Not All Obesity is the Same: A Closer Look at MC4R Pathway Impairment In Acquired Hypothalamic Obesity
Cory Baker
Sponsored by Rhythm Pharmaceuticals
8:15–8:45 AM
Break & Exhibits* - Juniper Ballroom
SESSION IA: Understanding Obesity & Treatment Options - Mahogany Ballroom
Moderator: Abby Bleistein, MD, FAAP, ACP, DABOM
8:45–8:55 AM
Introduction: Conference Overview & Objectives
Moderator: Carina Kugelmas, MD, FAAP, DABOM
8:55–9:25 AM
Key Note: Obesity as a Chronic Disease with Multisystemic Impact
Daniel Bessesen, MD
9:25–9:55 AM
Weight Bias, Weight Stigma, and Disordered Eating:
Understanding Impact of Living in Larger Bodies in a Thin-Centric Culture
Elizabeth Wassenaar, MD, CEDS-C, DFAPA
9:55–10:25 AM
Food as Medicine: Practical Tools for Supporting Patients
Erin Winchester RDN, CSOWM
10:25–10:40 AM
Panel Discussion / Q&A
10:40–10:55 AM
Break & Exhibits* - Juniper Ballroom
SESSION IB: Understanding Obesity & Treatment Options- Mahogany Ballroom
Moderator: Marcelo Kugelmas, MD, FAASLD
10:55–11:25 AM
Movement as Therapy: The Importance of Tailored Plans for Patients with Obesity
Seth Creasy, PhD
11:25 AM–11:45 AM
Medications as an Evidence-Based Tool for Pediatric Obesity
Jaime Moore, MD, MPH
11:45 AM –12:15 PM
Complex Obesity Cases
Ethan Lazarus, MD, MFOMA, DABOM
12:15–12:30 PM
Panel Discussion / Q&A
12:30–1:00 PM
Lunch & Exhibits* - Juniper Ballroom
1:00–1:45 PM
Industry-Sponsored Event* - Mahogany Ballroom
Unlocking the Potential of a Liver-Directed Treatment
Andrew Garza, PA-C & Christina Hansen, FNP
Sponsored by Madrigal Pharmaceuticals
1:45 PM–2:15 PM
Break & Exhibits* - Juniper Ballroom
SESSION II: Real-World Management of Obesity -Mahogany Ballroom
Moderator: Jacinda Nicklas, MD, MPH, MA
2:15–2:45 PM
Screening and Treating MASH in the Primary Care Setting: Standard of Care for 2026
Marcelo Kugelmas, MD, FAASLD
2:45–3:15 PM
Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease: Prevention to Intervention
Josephine Harrington, MD
3:15 - 3:45 PM
Long-Term Management of Patients After Bariatric Surgery
Kweku Hazel, MD; Victoria Lu, DO
3:45–4:00 PM
Panel Discussion
SESSION III: Real-World Case-Based Pediatric Obesity Panel Discussion -Mahogany Ballroom
Moderator: Carina Kugelmas, MD, FAAP, DABOM
4:00–4:50 PM
Real World Case-Based Pediatric Panel Discussion
Melanie Cree, MD, PhD; Megan Kelsey, MD;
Jaime Moore, MD
4:50–5:00 PM
Conference Summary & Closing Remarks
5:00- 6:00 PM
Reception - Cyprus Terrace
*Non-accredited session