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Obesity and Overweight


Family physicians should offer assistance to patients that are obese or overweight or who request assistance to prevent obesity. Family physicians should also participate in local, state and national efforts to improve general nutrition, and encourage physical activity for both children and adults. Overweight and obesity are defined as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines them.

There is ample evidence for recognizing both childhood overweight and adult obesity as a disease for which reasonable and necessary diagnosis and treatment should be paid by third party payers. (2004)