2023 Edition Book Updates
Obesity medicine is an ever-changing speciality which is exciting but also requires frequent updates. 2023 was a year of new medications, treatments, and guidelines. All updates discussed below have been incorporated into the 2024 edition.
Obesity Medicine Board Review Questions
These are updates to the 2023 edition of the blue book since publication. A short description is provided in the left hand column, whereas the right hand column refers to the question numbers affected.
BP Cuff Size
32
In the question stem, the patient's arm circumference should be 36 cm.
Aspire Assist® Device
102, 150
The Aspire Assist® Device was electively discontinued in 2022 due to financial constraints, not safety or efficacy. This device may show up on test day (contraindications, complications, etc.) given that patients may have had this procedure done, but would not be the preferred weight-loss treatment option anymore given its lack of availability.
Staged Pediatric Approach to Obesity
130, 169, 197
The 2023 updated AAP guidelines have now replaced the staged approach to pediatric obesity. This is a big change to the long-tested and utilized prior recommendations. Check back here for updated replacement questions or subscribe to the blog to be notified when these questions become available. Review new guidelines here.
Surgical Indications
140
Answer choice B is also a surgical candidate. Answer D is likely still the best option given a number of comorbidities, but both are current surgical candidates.
Semaglutide Indication
146
Semaglutide (Wegovy ® ) is now approved for chronic weight-management in those 12 years and older.
Gastric Balloon Updates
176
ReShape™ (dual-balloon system) has been bought out by Orbera™ (single-balloon system), who has since discontinued ReShape™ production. Also, Spatz 3™ has been approved (first adjustable balloon that can stay in place 8 months instead of 6), as well as Obalon™ (first swallowable balloon, with up to 3 balloons being deployed at 2 week intervals) is now approved in those > 22 years old.
Plenity Increases Satiety
179
This question states in the explanation that cellulose and citric acid hydrogel decreases satiety. It should read as: Cellulose and citric acid hydrogel (brand name Plenity®) is a volume-occupying treatment for those with a BMI of 25-40kg/m2. It is taken before meals to increase satiety.
Obesity Medicine Practice Tests
These are updates to the 2023 edition of the red book since publication. The right hand column refers to the question numbers affected.
Semaglutide Indication
46
See comments above.
Staged Pediatric Approach to Obesity
57, 145, 294
See comments above.
Androgenetic alopecia
62
Answer D should be androgenic alopecia (not adrenergic)
Aspire Assist® Device
88
See comments above.
Gastric Balloon Updates
105
See comments above.
Please note, that given the recency of these updates, they may not affect the upcoming testing window.
Obesity Medicine Board Review Questions
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