Interní Med. 2007; 9(2): 59-62

AN OBESE PATIENT IN AN INTERNIST OFFICE

MUDr. Robin Urbánek

Obezitologická a lipidová ambulance, Zlín

Obesity is a serous chronic metabolic disease cause by a positive energetic balance. Insufficient physical activity and increased calorie rich diet play a substantial role in its development. It is an important risk factor of civilization diseases. It was proclaimed to be a pandemic disease by World Health Organization (WHO) in 1997. 52 % of the Czech population has and increased body weight. Current network of specialized centers and offices for obesity treatment is not sufficient. It is necessary that also primary care physicians/general practitioners and internists) concentrate on this problem. A thorough history, physical exam and laboratory examination does not differ very much from other internal diseases. For assessment of a detailed significance of obesity modern examination techniques in an internist office may be helpful (ultrasound, bioimpedance). The treatment of obesity is divided in several steps and is based on dietary, behavioral, precautions with use of physical activity medications. A bariatric surgery also pays an important role in treatment of obesity. Only a common effort of obesitologists, general internists and general practitioners may lead in the combat with obesity to slowing of its epidemic character and to improvement of health state of our population.

Keywords: Key words: obesity, internist, history, treatment options, treatment.

Published: March 1, 2007  Show citation