Dec 1, 2003 10:49 ET

AMA Calls on Physicians to Help Combat Obesity

Releases Important Guide for Physicians on Assessing and Managing Obesity

CHICAGO, Dec. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- As obesity reaches epidemic proportions in the United States, the American Medical Association (AMA) today announced the release of a new comprehensive guide to help physicians identify and treat obesity in their adult patients. Assessment and Management of Adult Obesity: A Primer for Physicians is now available online at www.ama-assn.org/go/roadmaps .


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 64 percent of Americans are overweight or obese resulting in 300,000 preventable deaths each year. "The numbers on obesity are staggering. It is clearly time to take action," Donald J. Palmisano, M.D., AMA President, said. "Obesity is a leading indicator for serious health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers. These are medical conditions that physicians are already managing. It makes perfect sense to have physicians address the underlying cause and encourage healthy eating and physical activity."


The 10-booklet primer is available to physicians free of charge and offers practical advice on:


-- evaluating their patients for current and potential health risks
related to weight - beginning with a measurement of the body mass index
(BMI);
-- offering concrete recommendations for weight management through healthy
eating and physical activity;
-- understanding medication and surgical options,
-- improving communication and counseling; and
-- making their office environment friendlier to overweight and obese
patients.


In addition, the primer, which will be released in print and on CD-ROM, provides important tools to help physicians integrate obesity management into their every-day practice. Tools include: a Body Mass Index (BMI) chart for quick reference; patient questionnaires to establish eating patterns and current levels of physical activity; a patient readiness checklist; and patient handouts on dietary management and physical activity recommendations.


This primer, funded by a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, was developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in conjunction with its Healthy People 2010 and Steps to a HealthierUS initiatives to improve the health of all Americans. The primer is the second in a "Roadmaps for Clinical Practice - Case Studies in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion" series of educational primers the AMA will produce to help physicians improve the health of their patients.


"Through the Steps to a HealthierUS initiative and in conjunction with Healthy People 2010, we are working to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce the number of Americans who are overweight and obese," Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said. "Physicians are a key partner in this process. This primer will help by supplying practical advice on identifying weight-related health risks and clearly communicating steps patients can take to reduce those risks."


The primer is authored by Robert Kushner, M.D., one of the nation's foremost experts on obesity. Dr. Kushner is Professor of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and Medical Director of the Wellness Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. "With its practical tips and office-based support materials, this AMA Primer enables doctors to competently manage their patient's overweight and obesity problem," said Kushner. "Doctors learn how to broach the topic of weight loss, initiate an effective treatment program and monitor progress while strengthening the patient-physician relationship."


The primer is geared toward primary care physicians, including internists, family physicians and obstetricians and gynecologists, but will be available and useful for all physicians. In addition, though the primer was developed to address obesity in adults, it may also indirectly help children as their parents and family members learn to lead healthier and more physically active lives.


"This primer is an important tool in helping physicians halt the epidemic of obesity in this country," said Michael McGinnis, M.D., M.P.P, senior vice president of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "When you consider that nearly two out of three adults are overweight, and that parental obesity is a strong predictor of childhood obesity, it is critical that doctors are skilled in obesity prevention, screening and treatment."


Source: American Medical Association

CONTACT: Lori Bolas, Media Manager, News and Information of American
Medical Association, +1-312-464-4418


Web site: http://www.ama-assn.org/

Ah
But did you read Booklett 4

BigLez Soon to be Littlelez

If you have never made a mistake then you've done nothing

It sounds good, in theory, but what diet will they be promoting? The one that got us this way in the first place???

Blessings!
Sharron
Author of "Low Carb Cooking at Sharron's Place," and "Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine" available where ever books are sold.

www.thelowcarbcook.com

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart." Colossians 2:2