NPR

Doctors Should Send Obese Patients To Diet Counseling, Panel Says. But Many Don't

Behavior-based weight-loss programs that focus on diet and exercise can work for obese patients, a national panel of experts says. But many doctors aren't having the necessary conversations.
If patients are obese, their physicians should refer them to behavior-based weight loss programs or offer their own, a national panel of experts says. Yet many doctors aren't having the necessary conversations with their patients.

A visit to your primary care physician may focus on your headaches or that achy back. But if your body mass index is over 30, a panel of national experts says, it should also include a referral to an intensive weight-loss program.

That's the latest recommendation of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of national an evidence review and the recommendation in the on Tuesday.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
Magic, Secrets, And Urban Legend: 3 New YA Fantasy Novels To Read This Spring
A heist with a social conscience, a father using magic for questionable work, an urban legend turned sleepover dare: These new releases explore protagonists embracing the magic within themselves.
NPR3 min readWorld
The Eurovision Song Contest Kicked Off With Pop And Protests
Performers representing countries across Europe and beyond took the stage in the first of two Eurovision semifinals in the Swedish city of Malmo, against a backdrop of both parties and protests.
NPR3 min readIntelligence (AI) & Semantics
ChatGPT Maker OpenAI Exploring How To 'Responsibly' Make AI Erotica
The San Francisco-based AI juggernaut says it is re-evaluating its policies around "NSFW" content.

Related Books & Audiobooks