Resources
It is important for obese and overweight people to speak with their healthcare provider regularly, whether he or she is a primary care physician or an endocrinologist, to keep them up to date about any changes in their health or concerns about obesity they may have. In addition to talking with a physician or specialist, there are a number of obesity support groups, as well as weight-loss and healthy-living programs, which provide valuable resources and counsel on overweight and obesity with patients and their families. This obesity resource guide provides a select listing of regional, national and international groups and programs. Healthcare providers and local hospitals can also refer patients to additional obesity support groups and healthy-living and weight loss programs serving local communities.
Where to Find an
Endocrinologist
The Hormone Foundation maintains an online
physician referral database of more than 800 U.S. and international
members of The Endocrine Society. At http://www.hormone.org/ patients can choose to “Find an
Endocrinologist” by searching by locale and/or area of expertise (e.g.,
obesity, childhood (pediatric) obesity). Patients may also ask their general practitioner about
endocrinologists and other healthcare providers who can help assess and
treat obesity
and its complications (hypertension, diabetes, PCOS, metabolic syndrome).
General Resources for Obesity
In 2003,
the American Medical Association (AMA), with support from the Robert Wood
Johnson Foundation and in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, published Assessment and Management of Adult
Obesity, which is a part of the Association’s Roadmaps for
Clinical Practice obesity primer series. The obesity primer consists of 10
booklets that offer practical recommendations for addressing adult obesity and weight loss
in the primary care setting. The booklets offer practical advice on
evaluating patients for current and potential obesity-related health risks related to
weight, understanding obesity medication and
surgical
options, improving communication and counseling, and making office
environments more accommodating to obese patients106.
This guide provides a listing of obesity resources that can be used to locate additional information about weight loss programs, organizations for obesity and related diseases/conditions, and support materials to aid in the assessment and treatment of overweight and obesity or those at risk for these conditions.
