National guidelines say family physicians have to do more in the battle against obesity.
According to a recent article in Canada’s national business newspaper, the Globe and Mail, the guidelines, issued by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care and published on Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, urge physicians to track the body mass index (BMI) of all adult patients and prescribe physical activity, dietary changes or counselling to those who are overweight or obese. The number of Canadians who are considered obese has increased dramatically in recent years – from 14 per cent of the adult population in 1978-1979 to 26 per cent in 2009-2011. Being overweight or obese puts individuals at risk for serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, cancer and arthritis.
Follow the link to learn more on the expanded role for MDs – http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/new-guidelines-put-family-doctors-on-the-front-line-in-the-battle-against-adult-obesity/article22640516/
