STOP Obesity Alliance - Strategies To Overcome And Prevent
November 2011 Issue
IN THIS ISSUE
Alliance & Member News
News Round-Up

Greetings!

 

It's the season when we examine and express the things for which we're grateful.  Looking back over the past five years, I am thankful for the progress we've made together in raising awareness about obesity and weight-related chronic diseases as well as changing how we address treatment and prevention.


In our latest work, the Alliance has identified those who may be the best positioned to be America's "first responders" to the obesity epidemic: primary care providers and community health centers (CHCs).  Both are projected to see an influx of patients with the implementation of ACA, as newly-insured patients begin seeking care.  With the law's emphasis on prevention and treatment for chronic diseases and conditions, the ACA may represent a pivotal moment for the way those with overweight, obesity and weight-related chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes might receive medical care.

 

As more people have health insurance coverage, a major challenge may be a simple question of supply and demand - namely, can primary care settings like community health centers and private physician practices keep up with the demand of additional patients?  As of 2009, about 1,100 CHCs served nearly 19 million patients--a number that according to research from the National Center for Policy Analysis is expected to increase to 40 million by 2015.  Given current trends, many of these new enrollees will be obese and have obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension and heart disease.  The numbers are staggering, and the importance of primary care as a tool in turning the tide on obesity is paramount.

 

The Alliance's new report looks into the readiness of CHCs and follows previous research into barriers and opportunities primary care providers face when addressing obesity and weight-related chronic disease. We were interested in learning ways CHCs might already be addressing these issues and also finding ways the centers could improve obesity management services. The research, conducted by our team at The George Washington University Department of Health Policy, found that while private practice primary care providers and CHCs have closely aligned objectives, they also could benefit and build off each other's experiences.

 

In CHCs specifically, we found the need to reduce barriers to managing obesity by increasing education on properly advising patients on weight loss, eliminating stigma about weight issues and maintaining focus on weight as a health issue. While not commonplace, there are many examples of CHCs that are tackling obesity in many ways - including integration of care to provide comprehensive and sustainable strategies for patients; culturally and linguistically appropriate programming reaching hard-to-reach audiences; and local partnerships that symbiotically leverage resources for common goals.  Our team profiles a few examples in the paper that may serve as models for adult services and programming, including those designed for children, but which may be adaptable to adults. We found that, when operating with adequate resources and training, these initiatives show promise of positive health results.


Good news for sure, but there is much to do to turn approaches like these into standard operating procedure.  Alliance research shows a shortage of primary care providers who know how to effectively counsel patients on weight-related health issues: 72 percent of primary care providers surveyed had not, nor had anyone in their practices, been trained to deal with weight issues.


We continue to work together at the Alliance to create a sustainable, healthier environment in which good choices are possible for individuals to be successful with their weight-related health issues. 

 
Sincerely,
 
Christine C. Ferguson, J.D.
Director, STOP Obesity Alliance
Professor, School of Public Health and Health Services
Department of Health Policy
The George Washington University
Alliance & Member News
Alliance & Member News

Several Alliance Steering Committee and Associate Members were featured in news stories this month including:

 

STOP Obesity Alliance State Webinar


Join the STOP Obesity Alliance for "A Legislative Low-Down on Obesity and the States," a webinar happening December 6 from 12:00 - 1:30 pm ET. Experts will discuss state legislative activities related to obesity and weight-related chronic disease that could signal broader trends in the future including obesity surveillance and tracking efforts, food and beverage taxes, and efforts to restrict state employee benefits plan coverage. Click here to RSVP.

 

 

ASMBS White Paper on Endoscopic Bariatric Surgery


The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery partnered with the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy to release a white paper on the role endoscopic bariatric surgery could play in treating obesity. The paper determines a need for new bariatric therapy options to achieve effective weight loss given the limited success of lifestyle and medical interventions.  The paper was published in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Surgery for Obesity and Related Disorders. Click here to read more. 


 

ACPM Prevention Webinar


The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) will host a webinar titled, "Gaps in Prevention: Lifestyle Medicine and How Is it Relevant to Your Practice - Practice Issues," on December 8 at 11:00 am ET. Topics will include how to assess preventable risks among patients and prescribe appropriate recommendations and advice for follow up with patients. Click here for more information.

 

 

NBGH 2012 Employers' Summit

 

The National Business Group on Health (NGBH) will host its 2012 Employers' Summit on Health Care Costs & Solutions: Tactics for Volatile Times on January 26 in Washington, D.C. Presentation topics will include employee health care cost control tactics, the impact of the Affordable Care Act and engaging employees in wellness programs. Click here for more information.
News Round-Up
News Round-Up

Americans Are Fat, and Expected to Get Much Fatter

November 17, 2011 

NPR
Nancy Shute

 

At the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, researchers from Northwestern University presented research projecting that about three-quarters of Americans will be overweight or obese by 2020. The study examined current rates of cardiovascular risk factors including smoking, lack of exercise, diet, weight, blood pressure and cholesterol and found that reductions in smoking, high cholesterol and high blood pressure have been offset by weight gain, diabetes and pre-diabetes since 1988.

 

The Smoker's Surcharge

November 16, 2011 

The New York Times
Reed Abelson

 

Studies show that in light of rising healthcare costs, employers are increasingly implementing financial penalties for workers who smoke, are overweight or have high cholesterol rather than rewarding healthy habits. Policies that impose financial penalties on employees have doubled in the last two years to 19 percent based on findings from a survey of 248 major American employers.

 

Doctors Can Help Patients Boost Their Weight Loss

November 15, 2011  

USA Today
Nanci Hellmich

 

Researchers from the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Medicine report that physicians who offered lifestyle counseling in addition to typical primary care helped obese patients lose and keep off 10 pounds over the span of two years. The study was presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions and is published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

 

Cancer Treatment Shows Promise For Rapid Weight Loss

November 10, 2011 

Los Angeles Times
Melissa Healy

 

A study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine showed how a cancer drug caused rapid weight loss and improved metabolic function in monkeys by killing fat cells. The study revealed that when three species of primates received injections of the synthetic peptide adipotide, they responded by eating less, losing weight and displaying changes in metabolic function.

 

Fatty Foods Addictive as Cocaine in Growing Body of Science

November 2, 2011 

Bloomberg
Robert Langreth and Duane D. Stanford 

 

A growing number of medical studies conducted on food addiction this year suggest that processed foods and sugary drinks are processed by the brain in ways that resemble addictions to cocaine, nicotine and other drugs. Some studies found that brain scans of people with obesity and compulsive eaters revealed disturbances in brain reward circuits similar to those experienced by drug abusers.

 

Exercise Might Help Thwart 'Obesity Gene'

November 1, 2011 

HealthDay
Maureen Salamon 

 

A study published in the journal PLoS Medicine found that people who carry the "fat mass and obesity associated" (FTO) gene can reduce their risk of becoming obese by engaging in physically activity. Study researchers suggest that even when a person is genetically predisposed to being obese, a healthy lifestyle can help prevent weight gain. 

The content on these web pages is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not designed to replace medical advice or professional medical services. The information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. Medical decisions should be made in consultation with your qualified health care provider. There may be variations in treatment that your health provider may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
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