For years, obese patients have been left on their own for the most part when dealing with primary care physicians who often lack training in how to assist patients in losing weight. New guidelines from leading medical groups like the American Heart Association encourage primary care physicians to do more than alert patients that their weight could lead to problem and advise them to lose extra weight. Rather, these guidelines are set to help come up with an actionable plan to fight obesity. Obesity is linked to several chronic health issues and Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding believes that they are far better than previous practices.

The guidelines lay out plans for each patient’s next visit to their primary care physician and include:

• A calculation of the patient’s BMI.
• If the BMI indicates that weight loss is advisable the primary care doctor develops a plan that includes assistance from counseling or a referral to a specialist.
• Overweight patients’ plans should include a nutritional plan that reduces the intake of calories and a recommended exercise program.
• Any patients at risk for heart trouble should be immediately referred to a weight loss program. That program should last six months and include at least 14 visits to a registered dietitian, psychologist or other specialist.
• Obese patients should be recommended for a consultation about bariatric surgery, with a doctor like Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, when they have a BMI of 40. Patients with a BMI of 35 who have weight-related health issue should also be encouraged to explore bariatric surgery.

Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding would like to remind readers that personalized, safe, effective recommendations and surgical care are important first steps on the path to better health. She is pleased that the new guidelines are encouraging physicians to play a more active role with patients whose weight puts them at medical risk. The belief at NYU Langone Weight Management Program and of Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding is that surgery is one tool along with healthy eating and activity to be healthier and more fulfilled. Many patients who have bariatric surgery lose a considerable amount of weight and keep it off.

If you are interested you can learn more about weight loss surgery and if it’s a viable option for you by attending one of our free information sessions.