Diagnosing Obesity Prompts Action, Report Mayo Clinic Physicians

	Tweet

Mayo Clinic physicians have identified that simply being diagnosed as obese increases a patient’s likelihood of establishing a treatment plan with their physician, a crucial step in improving health. It’s a significant finding, because obesity is a growing worldwide epidemic and the second leading cause of preventable death in developing countries.

Published in the August issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, the article reveals that an obesity diagnosis is the strongest predictor of obesity management. Mayo Clinic physicians evaluated the records of 2,543 obese patients treated over a one-year period.

Only one in five patients had their obesity documented and a disease management plan made, the study’s authors say. But those patients who were diagnosed as obese had a 2.5 times higher chance of forming a weight loss management plan than if they hadn’t been diagnosed.

Warren Thompson, M.D., a Mayo Clinic internist from the Department of Preventive Medicine, says physicians should be more proactive in discussing obesity with their patients and patients should initiate the conversation if their weight concerns them. The ramifications are far-reaching for improving the health of those living with obesity, which is a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Even a small reduction in an obese person’s weight improves quality of life, reduces morbidity and results in lower health care use and medical costs.

Other authors of the obesity report are Aditya Bardia, M.D., Shernan Holtan, M.D., and Jeffrey Slezak, all of Mayo Clinic.

Source: Mayo Clinic

RELATED STORIES:
Weight in pregnancy best controlled by diet, study shows   FDA advisers recommend approving weight loss drug   Bridal Hunger Games   Exercise, Group Support Work for Weight Loss   Misperception of weight is an important barrier to weight loss   Obesity drugs need heart studies, U.S. advisers say   Weight Loss Surgery and Diabetes: Expert Interview Opportunity   New evidence on effects of green coffee beans in weight loss   Chocolate lovers tend to weigh less: study   Weight loss won’t necessarily help teen girls’ self-esteem   How to Best Help Your Child Lose Weight: Lose Weight Yourself   Qnexa: Is the new anti-obesity drug too risky?

Comments

[ + Post Your Own ]

Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Armenian Medical Network's stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.

There are no comments for this entry yet. [ + Comment here + ]