Obesity treatment is becoming more and more effective with a range of options which can be applied depending on the on the individual’s degree of obesity and presence of co-morbidities. As well as reduction in risk factors, prevention of diabetes and cancer, weight loss does reduce mortality and improve disease control and quality of life. There is increasing evidence of a “legacy effect” of a period of weight loss. Obesity is recognised as a chronic disease
Despite this evidence and situation, there remains a remarkable degree of uncertainty in the health profession about the effectiveness and necessity of obesity treatment (and prevention) and a marked unwillingness to move from the standard ways of treating chronic disease. This inertia is due to both ignorance and to protection of one’s turf.
Obesity management should be stratified depending on the degree of obesity and the outcomes required. This means treatment pathways need be developed Obesity management is also the core of chronic disease management. With obesity management as the central component (and with a common group of health professionals staffing it, other specialist services can be “bolted on” as required. Such an approach will produce better outcomes, reduce the multiple visits to clinics patients often experience and will reduce health costs.
So why isn’t this happening? Ignorance and prejudice are the reasons!