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Assessment of the Obese Patient

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Book cover Treatment of the Obese Patient

Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

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Abstract

There is a growing consensus on the importance of addressing obesity in clinical practice. This consensus is the product of clear evidence that obesity has become an extremely common condition, that it is associated with adverse health consequences, and that treatment modalities are available that can not only reduce weight, but improve some of the associated comorbidities. In this chapter, some of the evidence that obesity, as defined by body mass index and waist circumference, is associated with adverse health consequences will be reviewed. An approach to the assessment of the obese patient that involves a focused weight history, evaluating diet and physical activity habits, and determining the patient’s goals and readiness for treatment will be discussed. Assessing for secondary causes of weight gain and risk stratification based on a history, physical exam, and laboratory evaluation are also discussed. The role of other health professionals in a multidisciplinary approach to assessment is proposed. Later chapters in this volume will discuss a variety of treatment approaches that can be used with obese patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO

    Daniel H. Bessesen MD

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL

    Robert F. Kushner MD

  2. Division of Endocrinology, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO

    Daniel H. Bessesen MD

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Bessesen, D.H. (2007). Assessment of the Obese Patient. In: Kushner, R.F., Bessesen, D.H. (eds) Treatment of the Obese Patient. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-400-1_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-400-1_10

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