5.31 Obesity Recommendations and Algorithm

Here are the general recommendations given in the guidelines:

Identifying Patients Who Need to Lose Weight

  • Calculate BMI and measure waist circumference at annual visit or more frequently
  • Use the current cutoff points for overweight (BMI > 25) and obese (BMI > 30)
  • Advise overweight/obese adults that the greater the BMI, the higher the risk of heart disease, diabetes and overall death
  • Advise patients that lifestyle changes that result in a 3-5% weight loss produce clinically meaningful health benefits ⇒ reducing blood pressure, cholesterol and the need for medications
  • Losing more than 3-5% produces even more benefits

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