Managing obesity in healthcare settings: Stigma or support?

摘要

As obesity rates continue to climb, health professionalsand the healthcare system are facing anumber of challenges. Not only are there a numberof chronic conditions associated with obesity, but ifleft unchecked, the health consequences of this complexissue threaten to overwhelm the health system. Paradoxically,the way obesity is managed in the health system isboth part of the problem and part of the solution. Thereare issues around how obese people access and experiencethe health system, how obesity is viewed by healthprofessionals and how obesity is managed within ourcurrent health settings. Many health professionals feel illequippedto identify and deal with issues around weightmanagement and unsure of their roles and responsibilities.Enhancing our management of obesity thereforerequires a change in how we view this problem across allsectors of the health system.