Obesity

Obesity is the fastest-growing health problem in the United States, and one of the most serious chronic conditions of our time. During the past two decades, obesity prevalence has increased dramatically. Approximately 64% of the adult population is either overweight or obese. Although the prevalence of obesity has increased among Americans of all ages, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic levels, and geographic areas (3-4), one of the largest increases has occurred among Hispanics.

These statistics herald potentially devastating health, economic, and social consequences for our Nation. People who are overweight or obese have a greater probability of developing high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or other lipid disorders, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. In fact, overweight and obesity may soon cause as much preventable disease and death as cigarette smoking.

It is estimated that 300,000 preventable deaths occur each year in the United States due to diet and physical inactivity, both of which contribute to obesity—only tobacco use causes more preventable deaths in this country. U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral Regina Benjamin, M.D. M.B.A. called it the greatest threat to public health today.

It kills more Americans every year than AIDS, all cancers and all accidents combined. And it's causing problems in children that were unthinkable 20 years ago. The total direct and indirect costs attributed to obesity amounted to $117 billion in the year 2000. Clearly, the impact of this disorder cascades dramatically.

Growing scientific consensus on the health risks of physical inactivity and improper diet mandates that physicians become informed and prepared to assist patients in leading more active and healthy lives. Physicians have an important opportunity to encourage improvements in health behaviors and outcomes, including influencing motivation and success with weight loss treatment.

LSH Medical Communications Group is addressing this epidemic with a series of marketing and educational tools that give primary and family health care providers the most up-to-date information to help their patients. Our educational initiatives focuses on the clinical assessment of obesity, the different treatment modalities available for the disease, and the techniques to assist patients in making lifestyle changes. In addition to addressing special issues related to ethnic minority populations including strategies to tailor treatment programs to meet their needs.