Recent national data have indicated that obesity is at epidemic proportions in this country, with low-income individuals and people of color at highest risk. Obesity has been implicated in a variety of health issues, including hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, depression, and stroke. Current literature has identified genetic factors as a determinant of obesity status, thus changing the perception of obesity from a problem caused by a lack of self-discipline to a chronic disease requiring long-term management. Baseline data from a longitudinal collaborative practice evaluation research study are used to explore the diagnosis of obesity at a federally funded community health center. According to data collected from a chart audit of 465 adult patients who received primary care at the health center during one week in February 1999, considerable under-diagnosis of obesity occurred when compared to BMI calculation. Eighty-three (18%) patients were diagnosed as obese by their provider. An additional 74 (16%) patients were obese per BMI. Differences between patients diagnosed as obese and those obese per BMI are presented to highlight the importance of utilizing BMI calculation in diagnosing obesity. Differences include gender, race/ethnicity, insurance, mean BMI score, provider type, number of visits, and co-morbidity. Health care professionals must recognize patients at risk in order to manage their care effectively. BMI calculation is a useful, accurate, and inexpensive tool that can be implemented to diagnosis obesity. Appropriate utilization of BMI calculation can greatly enhance the recognition and treatment of obesity and contribute to the effective management of co-morbid conditions.
Learning Objectives: 1) Participants will recognize the under-diagnosis of obesity and the importance of utilizing Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation in the delivery of optimal primary health care. 2) The benefits of teaching and modeling BMI calculation for all primary care patients will be discussed.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.