Practical Strategies for Engaging Individuals With Obesity in Primary Care

Abstract

Although widely recognized as a chronic disease that requires long-term, structured, and multidisciplinary management, obesity remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated. The prevalence of obesity continues to increase dramatically, with the highest rates seen in the United States. Despite the availability of several clinical practice guidelines, published studies suggest that health care professionals (HCPs) infrequently and inconsistently follow guideline recommendations. Barriers to HCP participation in obesity management are likely to inhibit obesity counseling in primary care. Improving HCP obesity-related practices and counseling is important. This article discusses current practices, barriers to effective obesity management, and recommendations to improve HCP obesity management and counseling, based on findings from a PubMed search and clinical experience. The aim of the article is to share best-practice strategies for engaging patients.

Race, Ethnicity, Sex, and Obesity: Is It Time to Personalize the Scale?

“…In the meantime, we implore race/ethnic-based definitions to prevent underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis, which have considerable clinical, psychological, and financial implications for patients. 7 The Table indicates that men would undergo a shift toward lower BMI cutoff. Although the projected new BMI cutoffs vary by race/ ethnicity and disease risk factor,…”

Evaluation of Obesity Management Recorded in Electronic Clinical History: A Cohort Study

“…Regular and systematic documentation is recommended for monitoring the evolution of obesity and/or response to treatment. Their omission from the clinical record has implications for the care provided to patients, their clinical evolution, and research [12]. Technological aids, such as electronic reminders to prompt BMI measurements and prescription, in electronic record programs could improve obesity documentation and patient follow-up in consultations.…”

“…However, despite the obesity epidemic, scientific evidence shows that we are not adequately addressing overweight and obesity. The intensive behavioral counseling for patients with obesity requires regular and systematic documentation in electronic clinical histories for monitoring compliance with the prescription, weight loss, and response to treatment [12]. Health professional-patient engagement is key in the management of obesity.…”

Exercise Versus Pharmacological Interventions for Reducing Visceral Adiposity and Improving Health Outcomes

“…O besity is considered to be a pandemic that has increased exponentially during the last decades, and yet it still remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated. 1 Findings from large cohort studies suggest that by 2025, global obesity prevalence will reach 18% in men and surpass 21% in women. 2 Currently, worldwide overweight and obesity prevalence may be as high as 36.9% and 38.0% in men and women, respectively, 3 being even higher in developed countries.…”