Obesity, Complexity, and the Role of the Health System

Abstract

As obesity continues to increase throughout the world, there is still no well-defined solution to the issue. Reducing obesity poses a significant challenge for the health care system because it is a complex problem with numerous interconnections and elements. The complexity of obesity challenges traditional primary care practices that have been structured to address simple or less complicated conditions. Systems thinking provides a way forward for clinicians that are discouraged or overwhelmed by the complexity of obesity. At any given level, individuals matter and system functioning is optimized when our capacity is well matched to the complexity of our tasks. Shifting paradigms around the causes of obesity is essential for creating a health care system that promotes innovative and collaborative practice for healthcare practitioners and individuals dealing with obesity.

Recommendations for growth monitoring, and prevention and management of overweight and obesity in children and youth in primary care

“…8,9 It is now recognized that obesity is a complex problem that will require action from multiple sectors and "systems thinking." 10 Within primary care, the chronic disease model has been proposed as a framework for managing obesity, supporting children and families to manage body weight over time. 10 For childhood obesity, the complexity may include parents' knowledge, parenting style and the family activity environment.…”

“…10 Within primary care, the chronic disease model has been proposed as a framework for managing obesity, supporting children and families to manage body weight over time. 10 For childhood obesity, the complexity may include parents' knowledge, parenting style and the family activity environment. 11 Whereas options for management of childhood obesity include behavioural, pharmacologic and surgical approaches offered or referred by primary care, 10 it is recognized that interventions must be familycentred and may involve services delivered by an interdisciplinary team.…”

“…10 For childhood obesity, the complexity may include parents' knowledge, parenting style and the family activity environment. 11 Whereas options for management of childhood obesity include behavioural, pharmacologic and surgical approaches offered or referred by primary care, 10 it is recognized that interventions must be familycentred and may involve services delivered by an interdisciplinary team. 11 The 2006 Canadian Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management and Prevention of Obesity in Adults and Children provided recommendations for the prevention and management of obesity in Canadians of all ages.…”

A critical analysis of obesity prevention policies and strategies

“…33 Although unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity contribute to obesity, the relationship between these two factors and obesity is very complex. 5 We now know that energy balance is tightly regulated through mechanisms operated by the brain.…”

Expressão de genes relacionados ao metabolismo energético e lipídico em mulheres com obesidade grau III antes e após intervenção dietética

“…(CARVALHO, 2005;HUANG et al, 2009;CUNHA et al, 2007;FROOD et al, 2013). Além disso, a obesidade é um problema complexo, caracterizado por múltiplas interligações que contribuem para o seu desenvolvimento (FROOD et al, 2013 …”