Assess current status

Obesity as a disease. Want to know more?  

This brief 2 minute presentation outlines why obesity should be treated as a disease.

 

In this short presentation Dr David Webb talks about why weight management is a priority for disease prevention and management.

  • How about calculating risk?

    This risk calculator will help you estimate your patient’s risk of developing obesity-related complications in the next 10 years.

    Click Here

  • EDEN eLearning module

    For more in depth training this EDEN eLearning module is aimed at improving the knowledge and confidence of healthcare professionals who support people living with obesity. It also explores the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes, and the current evidence base for weight loss ​strategies

    Click Here

Steps to making an assessment:

 

  • Give people and their families and/or carers information on the reasons for tests, how the tests are done and their results and meaning. If necessary, offer another consultation to fully explore the options for treatment or discuss test results.

  • Take measurements to determine degree of overweight or obesity and discuss the implications of the person's weight.

 

Then, consider:

 

  • any presenting symptoms

  • any underlying causes of being overweight or obese

  • eating behaviours

  • any comorbidities (for example type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, dyslipidaemia and sleep apnoea)

  • any risk factors assessed using lipid profile (preferably done when fasting), blood pressure measurement and HbA1c measurement

  • the person's lifestyle (diet and physical activity)

  • any psychosocial distress

  • any environmental, social and family factors, including family history of overweight and obesity and comorbidities

  • the person's willingness and motivation to change lifestyle

  • the potential of weight loss to improve health

  • any psychological problems

  • any medical problems and medication

  • the role of family and care workers in supporting individuals with learning disabilities to make lifestyle changes.