Caring for Patients with Obesity

Obesity is a major risk factor for many prevalent and dangerous population health issues, including heart disease, hypertension, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Patients may struggle with overeating for multiple reasons, and require a customized, sensitive approach.

One-third of adults and 17% of youth are considered obese.¹ You play a critical role in counseling patients about healthy interventions to promote weight loss or prevent the onset of obesity. The AAFP offers you evidence-based, and practical obesity and fitness resources to support your patients’ weight management needs. These can help you:

• Identify obstacles to nutritional eating habits and suggest alternative food choices.
• Recommend positive behavioral strategies, such as approaches to cope with stress, cognitive behavior therapy options, food journaling, and establishing social support networks.
• Set realistic physical activity goals.