Adult Obesity in the United States
Summary:
Obesity affects the entire scope of a person’s life, including health, social relationships, self-image, and psychological well-being. Obesity rates in the United States remain the highest in the world. Now recognized as a chronic disease that must be managed long term, the American Medical Association has added a new subspecialty to its continuum of care, the obesity medicine physician. As the numbers of obese people in our society rises, the healthcare industry must assimilate this aspect of their treatment and care into daily practice. This module introduces healthcare professionals to the epidemic that obesity has become, reviews current treatments and plans of care, and discusses the psychosocial impact that being obese has upon the individual and society.
Objectives:
The goal of this program is to familiarize nurses, athletic trainers, fitness professionals, health educators, pharmacists, physical therapists, and respiratory therapists with the growing epidemic of obesity among adults in the U.S.
After studying the information presented here, you will be able to:
- Describe six major contributing factors for obesity in adults.
- Provide patient education on the benefits and adverse effects of three prescription medications for obesity.
- Explain the differences between four surgical approaches to the management of obesity.
