Improving practice - Obesity

Author: Campbell Ian  

Publisher: CSF Medical Communications Ltd

ISSN: 1742-7037

Source: Drugs in Context Primary Care Part D: Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Vol.1, Iss.6, 2004-08, pp. : 222-229

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

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Abstract

Obesity is a major and growing clinical problem, particularly in the western world, with the condition reaching epidemic proportions in the UK. This has profound consequences for our health service, the economy and indeed the social fabric of our society. However, a number of initiatives have been established which aim to tackle the problem of obesity directly. Much of the clinical burden of the condition falls upon the entire primary healthcare team to manage. One way in which the management of obesity can be improved is through the establishment of regular obesity clinics. However, this demands appropriate resources and also the effective identification of patients who are eligible for intervention. Lifestyle modifications including dietary changes and the introduction of regular exercise are widely acknowledged as the starting-point for intervention. Even modest reductions in weight loss can serve to improve patients’ quality of life, promote motivation and therefore improve long-term outcome. Good doctor-patient communication can assist in this motivation. When lifestyle changes fail to achieve weight loss of sufficient magnitude, adjunctive drug therapy is at our disposal to manage the condition further.