Weight loss counseling by health care providers.
OBJECTIVE
This study explores the pattern of weight loss counseling by health care providers in Connecticut and the associated weight loss efforts by patients.


METHODS
Data from the 1994 Connecticut Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey were analyzed to determine (1) the frequency of weight management counseling by health care providers of overweight adults with and without additional cardiovascular risk factors and (2) the current weight loss practices of overweight subjects.


RESULTS
Only 29% of all overweight respondents and fewer than half with additional cardiovascular risk factors, reported that they had been counseled to lose weight.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest a need for more counseling of overweight persons, especially those with cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Nawaz
H
H
Department of Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine, Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT 06418, USA. haqnawaz@pol.net
Adams
M L
ML
Katz
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DL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D003237:Connecticut; D003376:Counseling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss