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Weight Wellness Day

Weight Wellness Day (WWD) is a free community event scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 at UT Southwestern Medical Center. It is open to UT Southwestern employees, patients, family members, and friends. There is no cost to attend, and lunch will be provided. Registration is requested.

UT Southwestern physicians, researchers, advanced practice providers, and nurses will lead talks during WWD 2025. Attendees also can speak informally with experts at information stations. Numerous medical discoveries and facts will be explored, such as:

collage of fruits, vegetables, almonds, hand weights, and supplements scattered about atop a wooden surface
  • Why obesity is a chronic disease, not a lifestyle choice
  • Anti-Obesity Medications: A Practical Guide / Realistic Expectations for Health Improvements Alternatives to popular weight-loss medications
  • Overcoming Barriers to Semaglutide Access, Weight Loss Surgery, Obesity in Kids, and Lifestyle Interventions/Nutrition & Exercise
  • Practical tips for choosing and preparing delicious food to help maintain a healthy weight, along with a cooking demonstration

Weight Wellness Day is sponsored by the UT Southwestern Nutrition and Obesity Research Center (NORC).

  • 2025 Program Schedule
    9:00AM–9:30AM
    Arrival of community attendees; informational booths open
    9:30AM–9:35AM
    Welcome / Introduction to Weight Wellness Day 2025
    Jeffrey Zigman, M.D., Ph.D., F.T.O.S.
    9:35AM–10:20AM 
    Obesity as a Disease
    Melissa Shoemaker, M.D.
    (20-25 min talk; remaining 20 or 25 min for Q&A)
    This session will introduce the audience to the modern understanding of obesity as a complex medical condition rather than a simple result of lifestyle choices. It will explain how genetics, biology, and environmental factors contribute to obesity and why approaches like diet and exercise alone often fail to produce lasting results. By reframing obesity as a disease, this session aims to reduce stigma, foster compassion, and empower individuals with knowledge about effective, science-based treatment options.
    10:20AM–11:05AM
    GLP-1 Drugs and other Anti-Obesity Medications: A Practical Guide/Realistic Expectations for Health Improvements
    Jaime Almandoz, M.D., M.B.A., FTOS
    (20-25 min talk; remaining 20 or 25 min for Q&A)
    This session will provide an overview of available medications for treating obesity, detailing their expected effects on body weight and related health outcomes. It will set realistic expectations and equip the audience with practical knowledge to make informed decisions about incorporating anti-obesity medications into their weight wellness journey. It will also discuss how individuals might feel while taking these medications, and the length of time individuals might expect to remain on the medications.
    11:05AM–12:00PM
    Lightning Talks: Overcoming Barriers to Semaglutide Access, Weight Loss Surgery, Obesity in Kids, and Lifestyle Interventions/Nutrition & Exercise
    (10 min for Q&A after the 3 lightning talks)
    Managing Barriers to Accessing Semaglutide Medications – Costs, Compounding Pharmacies, Microdosing, and More
    Tonia Vinton, M.D.
    (15 min talk)
    This session will address challenges in obtaining semaglutide and similar medications, including their high costs and insurance coverage issues. Topics will include safety of compounding pharmacies, utilizing coupons, identifying supportive insurance plans, using vials instead of prefilled pens, and extending the time between doses. This session aims to empower attendees with practical strategies to make this effective class of anti-obesity medications more accessible and affordable.
    Impact of Body Weight on Bones and Joints
    Keely Boyle, M.D.
    (15 min talk)
    This session will explore the relationship between body weight and the health of bones and joints, highlighting how excess weight can increase stress on joints and contribute to conditions like osteoarthritis. The talk will cover practical strategies for maintaining optimal musculoskeletal health through weight management. This session aims to provide participants with a clear understanding of how body weight influences bone and joint health and actionable steps to reduce related risks
    Weight Loss Surgery
    Melanie Hafford, M.D.
    (15 min talk)
    This session will introduce the major types of Weight loss surgical procedures and provide an overview of their effectiveness in achieving significant and sustained weight loss and other health improvements. This session aims to help attendees understand when surgery might be the right choice and what to expect from this transformative treatment option.
    11:45PM–1:15PM
    Informational Booths available
    Children’s Health; UTSW School of Health Professions/Body Mass Index Assessments; School of Public Health/Blood Pressure Screening; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center; Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery; Heart Health; National Kidney Foundation; Obesity Action Coalition; UTSW Culinary Medicine
    11:45PM–1:00PM
    Lunch with Special Appearance by the Dallas Mavericks Cheerleaders and Champ
    12:15PM–1:00PM
    Solutions for Kids with Obesity
    Bethany Cartwright, M.D., Ph.D.
    (20-25 min talk; 20 or 25 min for Q&A)
    This session will explore the unique challenges and considerations of managing obesity in children, including its causes, health impacts, and treatment options. It will cover the role of family, nutrition, physical activity, and emerging medical therapies in promoting healthy weight and long-term well-being. This session aims to provide parents and caregivers with practical strategies and compassionate guidance to support children in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
    1:00PM–1:15PM
    Lifestyle Interventions/Nutrition & Exercise
    James Dalton Williams, M.A., R.D., L.D.
    (15 min talk including 5 min Q&A)
    This session will focus on the foundational role of healthy eating and physical activity in managing obesity and improving overall well-being. It will provide practical tips for creating sustainable dietary habits, incorporating enjoyable physical activities, and overcoming common barriers to lifestyle changes. This session aims to empower attendees with evidence-based strategies to incorporate lifestyle interventions that promote weight wellness and healthier living.
    1:15PM–2:15PM
    Food Is Medicine: Discussion and Cooking Demonstration
    Jaclyn Albin, M.D.
    Milette Siler, M.B.A.-H.C., R.D., L.D., C.C.M.S.
    This session will highlight the powerful role that food can play in preventing and managing obesity and related health conditions. Attendees will learn how to make healthier food choices through an engaging discussion and a live cooking demonstration of simple, nutritious recipes. This interactive session aims to inspire participants to see food as a key tool for improving their health and well-being.
    2:15 PM–2:20PM
    Closing Remarks
    Jeffrey Zigman, M.D., Ph.D., F.T.O.S.
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