Weight Management: An Integrated Medicine Approach

Abstract

Obesity is related to comorbidities: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and other common primary care challenges. Primary care practitioners are the front line for the diagnosis and treatment of these comorbidities yet often lack tools to effectively address overweight as a risk factor. The HANES documented that 40% of adults with overweight were counseled to lose weight. About 55% of obese adults reported they received a diagnosis of obesity, and 24% reported follow-up contact with a clinician after the initial weight-related discussion. About 45% of primary care physicians said they did not feel knowledgeable enough to counsel on weight management. This chapter explores the challenges physicians face in addressing weight management, a review of new evidence-based research, and a proposal for an integrative medicine approach. We highlight two peer-reviewed clinical trials whose findings challenge beliefs about diet, nutrition, exercise, and weight management. Participants reported significant reductions in weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides. This chapter provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and nuances surrounding weight management. We conclude by introducing the New Health Conversation®, a paradigm shift in medical care and an integrated approach that sees the patient as a whole.