ASBP Recommends Alabama Reject Proposed Obesity Medication Rules

DENVER, Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the proposed rules for the utilization of obesity medications, which could adversely impact the obesity epidemic in Alabama, two representatives of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) will testify at the public hearing of the Board of Medical Examiners in Montgomery on February 2nd. ASBP is America's oldest and most experienced society devoted to the medical treatment of overweight and obesity and associated health conditions and risks. Members of the ASBP's state medical boards task force recently reviewed Alabama's proposed rules governing the use of prescription medication to treat overweight and obese patients.

"Alabama has one of the highest obesity rates in the United States.  If the proposed rules are adopted, they will do more harm than good for the citizens of Alabama," said Dr. Bryman. If the rule is passed, the ASBP believes the cost of obesity treatment for patients would likely increase. In addition, Alabama's physicians would be discouraged from even attempting to treat their overweight and obese patients.

The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners has been presented with a document recently produced by ASBP called "Overweight and Obesity Evaluation and Management." According to Dr. Bryman, this document is a well-researched paper that truly reflects the most effective treatment and management of overweight and obese patients.

ASBP promotes that obesity medication be prescribed carefully to select patients in conjunction with a healthy diet, behavior modification, and exercise.  The ASBP believes that diet and exercise alone rarely work for treatment in overweight and obese patients. Additionally, experience and research have demonstrated that controlled medications, when used as part of a comprehensive weight control program, are safe and effective in both the short and long term.

Dr. Bryman stated that he respects the members of the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners for attempting to protect and provide benefit for the citizens of Alabama.  However, the proposed rules should not be adopted because they are inconsistent with current scientific knowledge of obesity treatment and would therefore unnecessarily prohibit the physician from effectively treating patients.

About the ASBP

Founded in 1950, the ASBP is the oldest medical association focused on the education and training of medical professionals treating and managing obese patients and associated diseases. The ASBP is a collaborative organization that provides its members practical information and business tools to implement a successful medical bariatric practice. For more information about the ASBP, visit www.asbp.org.

SOURCE ASBP