Multidimensional Assessment of Adult Obese Patient Care and Levels of Care

Abstract

Obesity is a complex disease that requires a complex approach, multi- and interdisciplinary, and possibly always tailored to the needs of each patient. According to the phenotyping of the patient, a possible pathway should be selected, involving first of all the primary care services. The next level of intervention will feature specialized outpatient clinics, including different professional figures (i.e., a multidisciplinary team possibly consisting of internist/endocrinologist, nutritionist/dietitian, psychiatrist/psychologist, physiotherapist/graduate in physical education). These professionals could be supported, where necessary, by other specialists for specific comorbidities. A “team building” action is therefore necessary to make possible a good coordination of the work. The intervention provided by the specialist could finally be realized, depending on the clinical functional and psychological-psychiatric patient conditions, as semi-residential or residential, in specialized structures (acute care or rehabilitation). In some cases, as indicated in the specific chapter, bariatric surgery could be suggested, again as part of a process of global and lasting patient care.