3 CE Credits

Objectives:

By attending this educational event, participants will be able to:

1. Describe biopsychosocial factors associated with development and maintenance of obesity
2. Explain the role of the psychologist on the interdisciplinary bariatric surgery team
3. Select appropriate psychological testing measures for evaluating bariatric surgery candidates

Course Overview:

Nearly 40% of the US population is classified as having obesity by BMI category and bariatric surgery is the leading evidence-based treatment for severe weight problems and associated medical comorbidities. Adherence to significant lifestyle changes are necessary for lifelong maintenance of these positive surgical outcomes. Psychologists are increasingly involved as members of interdisciplinary teams to evaluate and support patients before and after surgery. Widespread misconceptions exist about the development and maintenance of obesity and bariatric surgery as a treatment. This training will familiarize attendees with biopsychosocial factors associated with development and maintenance of obesity, including significant societal stigma; an overview of bariatric surgery; the role of the psychologist in the bariatric surgery evaluation process; guidelines for the clinical interview, psychological testing, and recommendations to the patient and team; and multicultural considerations.

Presenter Biography:

Dr. Larissa McGarrity is an assistant professor (clinical) at the University of Utah in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehab. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Utah. She completed her APA-accredited internship in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine at Alpert Medical School of Brown University in 2016 and postdoctoral fellowship at University of Utah School of Medicine in 2017. Her research, education, and clinical work as faculty have focused on patients seeking treatment through the Bariatric Surgery and Comprehensive Weight Management Programs. She is the Director of Training for the Bariatric and Weight Management Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Her specific interests are related to the effects of stigma on health disparities, psychosocial risk and resilience among individuals struggling with obesity, and intervention development for post-bariatric surgery patients. She has 16 peer-reviewed publications in journals including Obesity Surgery, Health Psychology, and Annals of Behavioral Medicine. She also serves as the secretary on the board for the Mountain West Obesity Society. In her free time, Dr. McGarrity enjoys skiing, travel, cooking, and soaking up time with her 2-year-old daughter.

Workshop Location:

Live, virtual webinar via Zoom webinar.

REGISTRATION:

	UPA Members	Non-Members of UPA
On or before April 1, 2022	$75	$100
After April 1, 2022	$100	$125

UPA Student/Resident Members	Non-Member Students /Residents
No Charge	$25