The Obesity Society (TOS) and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) comment on USPSTF recommendation for screening and management of obesity in adults

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Jun 25, 2012, 06:46 ET

SILVER SPRING, Md., June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) reinforced the necessity for the health care system to treat obesity seriously by recommending that clinicians not only screen adults for obesity, but also offer or refer obese patients to intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions for 12-26 sessions in a year.

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The Obesity Society (TOS) and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) applaud the Task Force for recognizing the importance of addressing obesity in clinical settings. Recognizing that most clinicians in private practice will not have the time or the expertise to offer a comprehensive, intensive behavioral program, the next step will be to provide referral mechanisms to assure for effective and efficient delivery of the needed care. While the primary care setting may be the best venue for identifying obesity, it may not be feasible for the kinds of behavioral interventions and expertise proven most effective and recommended by this Task Force. An intensive behavioral program for obesity requires a team with expertise across several disciplines who can address lifestyle changes in nutrition, physical activity and self-monitoring.

According to TOS President Patrick M. O'Neil, Ph.D., "In many cases the best treatment decision may be a referral to the right kind of program. We sincerely hope that health insurance companies will honor this recommendation and allow reimbursement for this valuable treatment option."

About The Obesity Society

The Obesity Society is the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity. The Obesity Society is committed to encouraging research on the causes, treatment, and prevention of obesity as well as to keeping the scientific community and public informed of new advances in the field. For more information, please visit www.obesity.org.

About the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)

The OAC is the ONLY non-profit organization whose sole focus is representing individuals affected by obesity. Founded in 2005, the OAC remains at the forefront of the fight against obesity. From advocating on Capitol Hill for access to obesity treatments to publishing hundreds of educational resources for individuals affected, the OAC truly represents the voice of all those affected by obesity. For more information on the OAC, please visit www.obesityaction.org.

SOURCE The Obesity Society