1.
Clin Geriatr Med
; 21(4): 713-23, vi, 2005 Nov.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16182084
ABSTRACT
Although commonly addressed in magazines, across airwaves, and within gyms nationwide, health care providers must now face the growing epidemic of obesity in their daily practice. With the graying of America, it is all the more important to realize that weight increases the risk for disease and mortality in the elderly. Despite overwhelming evidence that weight loss can reduce health risks, many patients who are overweight never receive needed advice from their primary care physicians. This article addresses the barriers to physician intervention, methods to assess obesity risk, and readiness to change. Effective approaches for assisting in successful weight loss and maintenance are discussed.