Obesity

Sleep deprivation and health

Reamer L. Bushardt, PharmD, PA-C April 23, 2012

Short sleep duration is linked to an increased prevalence of obesity, and the relationship seems to be stronger at younger ages.

Childhood obesity: Complications, prevention strategies, treatment

Georgina A. Robinson, PA-C, Megan Geier; Denise Rizzolo, PA-C, PhD; Mona Sedrak, PA-C, PhD December 02, 2011

Obese children are at risk of acquiring a multitude of complications, and comorbidities of obesity may also leave them at risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke in adulthood.

Childhood obesity: Understanding the causes, beginning the discussion

Katie J. Perpich, PA-C, Rachel Russ, PA-C; Denise Rizzolo, PA-C, PhD; Mona Sedrak, PA-C, PhD December 01, 2011

Obesity in childhood is influenced by social and familial factors as well as the child's genetics and activity level. Understanding the problem is only the first step in combating it.

Spearlike chest pain and vomiting in a morbidly obese patient

Monica Buzzetta, PA-C, MHS October 27, 2011

After taking a laxative in preparation for a colonoscopy, a woman with a number of medical problems experiences troubling symptoms.

Childhood obesity: Screening and early  intervention

CHAC, the Clinical and Health Affairs Commission of the AAPA September 13, 2011

The prevalence of childhood obesity is now approaching 20% among US children. Diet and exercise have been shown to be effective interventions.

A recent JAMA commentary advocates the referral of morbidly obese children to state protective service agencies in cases where their families fail to achieve effective weight reduction. I suspect that such an approach would prove to be marginally effective at best and more than likely result in further treatment failures.

Eliminating health disparities: What works?—February 2011

Jim Anderson, PA-C, ATC February 23, 2011

A recent issue of the AMA's "Virtual Mentor" contains an excellent commentary on the different ways that the US and the UK approach obesity. While the UK makes systematic changes in how it approaches obesity, we continue to view it here as an individual, psychological problem of the obese individual.

You can never be too thin....

Sarah Zarbock, PA-C October 26, 2010

Wallis Simpson, the beautiful American divorcee who married Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII of England, is credited with the popular saying, "A woman can never be too rich or too thin." Fast forward to the present. As we sit smack-dab in the middle of a recession, I would say that for most of us working stiffs, the notion of being "too rich," much less just being free from credit card debt, is a remote notion. Being "too thin" seems equally improbable. Quite frankly, I'd settle just for plain old "thin" any day.

Eliminating health disparities: What works?—April 2010

Jim Anderson, PA-C, ATC April 22, 2010

This column examines recent literature on health disparities, emphasizing tools that can help clinicians to assess and address disparities in their own practices. This month's listings focus on obesity and HIV care.

Referral to a dietitian uncovers why this woman cannot lose weight

Louise Lee, MHA, PA-C October 12, 2009

This eating disorder is probably often missed in primary care because the condition is so difficult for providers to recognize.

Why the attitude?

Eizabeth McPhilomy, PA-C March 16, 2009

Isn't it more ethical to give our patients a plan with the tools that can help them succeed than merely to state the obvious need for weight loss and exercise at their annual appointment?

Obesity: The current treatment protocols

From CSAC, the clinical and scientific affairs council of the AAPA January 01, 2009

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) have tracked an increase in overweight and obese persons in the United States from 1976 through 2006. The rates of adult obesity in the United States have doubled between 1976 and 2004.

Increasing obesity in children and adolescents: An alarming epidemic

Kimberly M. Wilkinson, MPAS, PA-C December 01, 2008

Without better prevention and intervention, the health consequences are likely to be severe as the current generation of overweight children reaches adulthood.

Examining the most popular weight loss diets: How effective are they?

Erin L. Sherer, MPAS, PA-C, RD; James A. Sherer, JD November 01, 2008

Patients may swear by a particular diet, but the medical evidence gathered so far indicates that for most, keeping lost weight off for at least a year is an elusive goal.

Childhood obesity: Curbing an American epidemic

Diana Taylor Noller, MSPT, MMS, PA-C; David Paulk, MS, PA-C December 01, 2005

The number of overweight children in this country has increased more than 50% in just one generation. Whether they work in primary care or specialty practices, PAs are first responders in this new public health emergency.