Prevent and Treat Obesity in Adult

World Health Organization (WHO) defines overweight and obesity as “Abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health”. Body Mass Index (BMI)- the ratio of a person’s weight (in kilograms) to the square of height (in meters) – is the tool to measure obesity.

According to Center for Disease Control (CDC) data, more than one-third (36.5%) of U.S. adults have obesity.

Obesity causes significant co-morbidities including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer, some of which are leading causes of preventable death.

The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the U.S. was $147 billion in 2008 U.S. dollars; the medical costs for people who have obesity were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight (CDC).

As healthcare professionals, we treat obesity-related diseases each and every day and we are aware of this epidemic and its consequences. Thus we want to take an action to raise awareness and prevent/treat obesity.

Below are some of the recommendations that can be beneficial for public education on awareness of obesity.

1. Obesity public talks:
2. “Prevention and Treatment of Obesity” public talks presented by healthcare professionals. The presentation is attached or can be reached through this link. The main topics mentioned are as follows:
   1. Obesity (definition/prevalence/comorbidities)
   2. Diet
   3. Exercise
   4. Treatment Options (Medications/ Bariatric surgery)

• The presentation can be done in many places to reach out to people including but not limited to: Libraries, colleges, churches, and other religious institutions, cultural organizations.
• Flyer- handouts can be provided to attendees during these presentations. The flyers can be regarding diet and exercise interventions, awareness of obesity, personal goals. There are several professional societies/websites that can provide handouts per request.
• Obesity logbook (food diary/action plan/personal goals) can be provided during such a talk.
• To increase attendance and attention to ‘Obesity Talk’- raffles or small gifts for activity tracking devices can be provided during such a talk.

1. Obesity Screening: This can be done in local health fair programs.
2. Personal coaching programs: Interested healthcare providers can offer personal coaching to individuals.
3. Professional obesity talks for healthcare providers:

The aim is to educate healthcare providers regarding the treatment of obesity.  The presenter can be arranged locally (dieticians, endocrinologists, etc). This can also be presented as a Whitetulip Medical Forum activity.

Prevention Obesity in Adult Committee

Whitetulip Health Foundation Public Education Department