This training examines the bidirectional relationship between bipolar disorder, obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance, and cardiometabolic health. Presenters translate this evidence into clinical practice by addressing metabolically informed psychotropic selection, routine wellness monitoring, early use of metformin, and appropriate anti-obesity medications, including GLP-1 agonists. The session also demonstrates motivational interviewing techniques that help patients pursue improvements in movement, nutrition, sleep, and stress management without reinforcing weight stigma.

Key points and strategies include:

• Explaining how obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance can worsen brain health, functioning, and the course of bipolar disorder.
• Evaluating psychotropic medications according to psychiatric benefit and risk for weight gain or other metabolic complications.
• Applying routine monitoring of movement, nutrition, sleep, stress, weight, and cardiometabolic indicators within psychiatric care.
• Selecting metformin and anti-obesity medications appropriately for prevention or treatment of medication-associated metabolic complications.
• Demonstrating motivational interviewing strategies that support patient autonomy, reduce stigma, and strengthen commitment to sustainable health changes.

These recordings of the Department of Mental Health (DMH) Quarterly Psychiatrists’ Meeting (QPM) are restricted. They are provided specifically for DMH psychiatrists who missed and/or want to review the quarterly meeting.