The Top 10 Things We Should Tell Our Patients About Weight Loss

In conclusion, obesity underlies most of America’s chronic disease burden but can be reversed with modest weight loss through diet and exercise modifications. Patient adoption of long-term lifestyle changes are challenged by economic factors (e.g. healthy food “deserts” in inner cities), sedentary lifestyles, poor urban planning, excessive fast food and sugary beverage consumption, increasing portion sizes, and high tech conveniences that reduce energy expenditure, among other factors. Patients are more likely to begin weight loss programs if recommended to do so by their physician, though studies suggest that they take advice more seriously if their physician is not overweight or obese herself. In our efforts to treat obesity, it may be especially important to lead by example.
Source: Better Health - Category: Health Medicine and Bioethics Commentators Authors: Tags: Health Tips Research Advice For Patients CDC Chronic Disease Diabetes Diet Exercise Guidelines Healthy Weight Loss Heart Disease HHS IOM National Weight Control Registry NIH Obesity Stroke Walking Weight Loss Tips Source Type: blogs