Early Intervention by Family Physicians in Epidemic Obesity

It is estimated that one third of U.S. adult population meet the criteria for obesity. Many times the root of obesity reside in childhood. This is the reason for a close physician-patient partnership is necessary to address obesity health risks in children. This way some long-term health effects can be better prevented or at least minimized.

This early intervention is very important because obesity has become an epidemic, and it is now more prevalent in the United States than either hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS. It is now known that childhood and adolescent metabolic syndrome, in which impaired glucose tolerance, hypertension and high cholesterol occur concomitantly, can lead to premature atherosclerosis and significantly increased cardiovascular disease risk early in life.

The whole idea is to connect family medicine with health and wellness. For this achievement, family physicians and clinical staff should adhere to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force "five A's": assess, advise, agree, assist, and arrange. That special approach involves asking young patients about health risks. It also involves providing clear and personalized advice on behavior change, and agreeing to collaborative selection of treatment goals.

At the same time, American Academy of Family Physicians developed a targeted program focused on encouraging family physicians and their practice staff to increase their own fitness levels in order they could be a good example for the lifestyle modifications they might counsel patients to make.






NOTE: The Information on this site is provided for information only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other medical professional.



<< back to obesity