A Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management
Abstract
The increasing perception of obesity as a disease is likely to encourage the presumption that obesity ought to be medicalized and managed in the format of a traditional disease model by the existing health care system. Many difficulties will arise from this approach because of factors such as the large numbers of affected patients, the inadequacy of health professionals' training, negative cultural views of obesity, and the inadequacy of financing (ie, health insurance) mechanisms. A series of conflicting expectations related to the services that can be provided by physicians will reinforce their reluctance to manage this disease. Much of the care of obese patients can, however, be provided by a nonphysician primary obesity care provider or team with the physician providing selected support services. Models of a modified team care system, using selected and specific nonphysician personnel and involving the patient in continuing management, may offer some new and effective options for the care of obese patients.
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The addition of allied health experts to the interprofessional healthcare team either by physical colocation, distance consultation, or engagement in staff training can help to achieve higher-quality, more cost-effective care.
“The addition of these experts to the interprofessional healthcare team either by physical colocation, distance consultation, or engagement in staff training can help to achieve higher-quality, more cost-effective care.57–63”
From Better Population Health Through Behavior Change in Adults: A Call to Action (2013) · cites this paper as [58]
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- Authors
- FRANK, A.
- Affiliations
- George Washington University (US)
- Corresponding author
- FRANK, ARTHUR
- Venue
- Journal of the American Dietetic Association
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 1998-10
- Volume
- 98
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- S44-S48
- ISSN
- 0002-8223 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W137621475
- Cited by
- 55
- References
- 11
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 1 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 2 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 5 · 2012: 4
- FWCI
- 13.99
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of the American Dietetic Association (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Pharmacy › Obesity and Health Practices
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Interprofessional Education and Collaboration
- Keywords
- obesity treatment, obesity as a disease, medicalization of obesity, multidisciplinary care, team-based care, health insurance financing, health professions education, patient involvement in care
- MeSH terms
- Behavior Therapy, Dietary Services, Exercise Therapy, Humans, Obesity, Patient Care Team, Physician's Role, Primary Health Care, Models, Organizational
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