Approach to obesity in primary care

Overall approach:

• Use a range of tools
• Make plans multi-faceted, and tailor to patient
• Involve other health professionals as indicated

Ask and assess

• Readiness to change
• Current lifestyle behaviours
• BMI
• Weight circumference
  • High risk at >102cm and >88cm for men and women respectively
• Comorbidities
• Other factors related to health risk

Advise

• Promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and explain the benefits of weight management

Assist

• Develop a weight management program that includes lifestyle interventions tailored to the individual
• Plan for review and monitoring

Arrange

• Regular follow-up visits
• Referrals as required
• Support for long-term weight management

Factors that may contribute to weight gain:

• Quitting smoking