weight loss information
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Better Obesity Management Systems NeededShort Articles About Obesity and Overweight
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There is a wide variation in obesity care services between countries, with very few having a coherent and comprehensive range of services capable of providing the level of care required to effectively manage obese patients. This is in contrast to other chronic diseases such as diabetes and coronary heart disease where integrated care is frequently provided. |
It is clear therefore that the rational development of co-ordinated health care services for the management of overweight and obese patients is needed in most countries. Primary health care services should play the dominant role, although hospital and specialist services are also required for dealing with more severe cases and the associated major life threatening complications.
Obesity is generally not viewed as a serious medical condition by doctors, and so many fail to advise and treat the majority of their obese patients. Obesity tends to be treated only when a co-morbidity is present (i.e. when life-threatening), rather than before the co-morbidity develops or is exacerbated by the obese state.
There is an urgent need for improved training of all health care workers, not only to improve levels of knowledge and skills in obesity management strategies but also to help overcome the negative attitudes that many health professionals currently exhibit towards obesity management and the obese.
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