Assess Obese Patient Readiness to Decrease Weight: A Practical Approach

Abstract

Obesity is common, major health problem. The trend of obesity incidence and prevalence in Saudi Arabia are not reassuring. Thoughts and behavior are major risk factors for obesity specifically and unhealthy lifestyle overall. Changing thoughts and behaviors are feasible function of primary care physician although not easy at all time.Keywords: Assess; Obese patient; Obesity Case ScenarioSaad is a 35 years old Saudi male came to youfor promotion clinic and annual check-up.You note that he is obese, how family physician can measure readiness of Saad to decrease his weight and help him to change his behavior? Initial visitFamily physician should start consultation with welcoming Saad, thanks him for attendance to clinic, establishing with him a good rapport in order to conduct a successful consultation.Family physician starts by collecting biodata and then asking an open-ended question, such as "how is your health status?" Saad ideas, concerns should be adequately explored; the real reason and expectation from this visit are important issues that should be addressed in initial visit. Family physician decided to discuss with Saad his weight in the current visit. Presenting illness history and systemic reviewPresent complaint and past medical history, dietary and physical activity should be covered completely. The following important points are mandatory [57]:• Duration of obesity.• Onset of obesity, aggravation as well as reliving factors.• Effects of obesity on Saad's on health and his quality of life as all.• Detailed dietary history should include; number of meals, snacks, intake fast food, intake soft drinks, taking breakfast regularly, intake of fruits and vegetables.• Other important issue is physical activity and sedentary IntroductionObesity became a major health problem [1,2]. It is estimated that worldwide prevalence of overweight or obesity is 36.9% in men and 38% in women in 2013 [2]. In the last Saudi health information survey for non-communicable diseases in Saudi Arabia (SHIS-2013), the prevalence of overweight and obesity (defined by body mass index (BMI) was 30.7 % and 28.7 % respectively [3]. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Saudi male was 33.4% and 24.1% respectively, and among Saudi female was 28% and 33.5% respectively [3]. In the last update of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, Saudi Arabia was among highest countries in mean of increment in the prevalence of obesity [2]. High body mass index (BMI) accounted for the highest attributable disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in Saudi Arabia [4]. Unfortunately, the trend of obesity in Saudi Arabia is not reassuring [5].The complications of obesity are well known. All causes of mortality are increased [6,7] as well as specific-causes of mortality, especially those suffering from morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m 2 ) [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. Greater waist circumference associated also with increased all-cause mortality in men and women [14]. However, not only the mortality increased, also there is increased in morbi...