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Mental Health & Metabolic Wellness Series: Focus On Weight & Obesity
A joint Virtual Live Event for PsychU members in ID, NV, & WY and NephU members in WA, OR, ID, AK, MT, & WY.
In this presentation, our speakers will provide a brief overview of the obesity epidemic and how obesity may be a contributing factor to other serious medical conditions, including the potential ramifications for individuals with mental illness. Key discussion points include:
- Prevalence and demographic breakdown of the obesity epidemic
- The cycle of craving and obesity
- Serious systemic health problems for which obesity increases risk
- Link between earlier mortality for individuals with mental illness and obesity
*Speakers are employees of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc (OPDC).
Featured Speakers
Laura Frank, PhD, MPH, RDN, CD
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc.*
Dr Laura Frank is a Nephrology Clinical & Scientific Liaison for Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development and Commercialization (OPDC), Inc. With a doctorate in exercise physiology, a master’s degree in public health in epidemiology, a master’s degree in nutrition & dietetics, and a bachelor of science degree in molecular biology, she has spent her career studying the importance of lifestyle management in its role in the prevention and/or attenuation of chronic diseases. Her post-doctoral research at the University of Washington focused on the improvement of metabolic dysregulation through nutrition and/or exercise interventions. As a Registered Dietitian (RD), she has worked in the inpatient and outpatient settings treating patients with renal disease, including Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), and related conditions. As a patient advocate, Dr Frank understands the benefits of Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) to drive collaborative care and to improve quality metrics. Dr Frank has been involved in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research and possesses a certificate in Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR). She also has a strong academic background, with over 12 years’ experience in teaching graduate and/or undergraduate studies, 11 years’ experience as a clinical preceptor, and 8 years’ experience as director of clinical sites for the coordinated program in dietetics for the Washington State University.
Sucharita Somkuwar, PhD, BPharm
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc.*
Areas of Expertise:
- Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders
- Pharmacology
- Substance Use Disorders
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Location
Online via NephU.org and PsychU.org