An Evidence-based Guide for Obesity Treatment in Primary Care

Overview

Journal Am J Med

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2015 Aug 5

PMID 26239092

Citations 41

Authors

Stephanie L Fitzpatrick

Danielle Wischenka

Bradley M Appelhans

Lori Pbert

Monica Wang

Dawn K Wilson

Sherry L Pagoto

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

On behalf of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, we present a model of obesity management in primary care based on the 5As counseling framework (Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, and Arrange). Primary care physicians can use the 5As framework to build and coordinate a multidisciplinary team that: 1) addresses patients' psychosocial issues and medical and psychiatric comorbidities associated with obesity treatment failure; 2) delivers intensive counseling that consists of goal setting, self-monitoring, and problem solving; and 3) connects patients with community resources to assist them in making healthy lifestyle changes. This paper outlines reimbursement guidelines and weight-management counseling strategies, and provides a framework for building a multidisciplinary team to maximize the patient's success at weight management.

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