Treating Obesity in Primary Care

Book excerpt: The latest information from the CDC demonstrates that 70% of Americans can be classified as having pre-obesity or obesity. This chronic disease is considered the cause of many other chronic diseases such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, to name but a few of the 236 obesity associated disorders. Additionally, obesity is considered to be the cause of fourteen different types of cancers. Based on the number of people affected and the consequences of the disease, it is imperative that it is studied and treated by primary care providers. Few training programs for physicians, NPs or PAs are covering the basics of treating obesity. These fundamentals include pathophysiology, assessment of the disease, and the foundational components of treatment with eating plans, physical activity and behavioral interventions, then the supporting components of anti-obesity medications, devices and surgery. As a result, few of those currently in primary care practice have received any education in the evidence-based treatment of obesity. This book provides the reader with the education to understand the disease, the patient’s experience, and full evidence-based treatment. It also provides the opportunity to understand how to incorporate the treatment into primary care. Written by a leading expert in the field, Treating Obesity in Primary Care offers all clinicians providing primary care services the information needed to effectively treat the chronic disease of obesity.