Why bother treating a difficult problem?
Overweight and obese patients are at risk for:
Several serious diseases (see below)
Increases in all-cause mortality
Emotional distress, discrimination, social stigma
How do you decide who to treat?
You know how to calculate the BMI. Next, the good old medical history will help you out. Does your patient have any of the following problems in addition to obesity or overweight? If so, how many additional problems?
Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia
Coronary artery disease or stroke gallbladder disease
Osteoarthritis sleep apnea or respiratory problem
Some cancers (endometrial, breast, prostate, colon)
See the next page for treatment strategies based on BMI and number of additional problems.