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= Paid-up subscribersTime to tackle obesity
16 Dec 2011
Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2and it is estimated that almost a quarter of the population of England are obese. Primary care physicians are familiar with the subsequent problems that can arise such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoarthritis to list but a few. At present the Quality and Outcomes Framework places little emphasis on obesity management and there are few options available in traditional models of primary care. Patients will often self select for various commercial weight management programmes and in some areas these are available on the NHS. There is certainly evidence to support the notion of centrally funded commercial weight loss programmes. Another option is for primary care teams to develop in-house obesity management programmes. Dr Peter Savill looks at recent evidence on the effectiveness of such options for treatment.
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