Obesity & Overweight Advice
Weight Loss & Body Size - Realistic
Goals
Obese or very overweight patients may avoid medical care because of embarrassment
of their body size. Simple measures such as weighing patients in a private
area and providing large sized examination gowns and armless chairs can
help. Although professionals should provide clear, unambiguous messages
about the health risks of obesity, they should avoid "victim blaming"
and approach concerns about weight control in a manner that does not demoralize
patients. Unrealistic goals of attaining ideal body weight fast are to
be avoided. Gradual, modest weight loss is more realistic and can provide
major health benefits, including improved glycemic control, blood pressure,
and other cardiovascular risk factors, as well as more general effects,
such as increased energy, improved sleep, and enhanced mobility.
Weight Loss Barriers
Involvement of the family may be helpful in reducing the progression of
obesity in children, but the impact of this approach on adults is not
clear. Obese adults report that familial resistance to changes in lifestyle
can be a barrier to weight loss. Professionals should assist in solving
the problem of barriers that can disrupt even the most motivated patient
who wants to lose weight.
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