Development of an obesity counseling model based on a study of determinants of intentional sustained weight loss.
BACKGROUND
Overweight and obesity are at epidemic proportions. This study examines the attitudes and actions of Oklahoma clinicians in obesity treatment, and the characteristics and perceptions of a subset of their patients who lost weight and were able to maintain weight loss.


METHODS
Our study was a small mixed method study involving both surveys and interviews. Descriptive statistics were calculated, content analysis of interviews performed, and a model outline for obesity counseling was developed.


RESULTS
Only 38% of the 66 clinicians surveyed try to motivate their patients to lose weight. Patients interviewed recommended that clinicians treat obesity as a medical problem. We incorporated themes from the patient interviews into the S-MASS model for obesity screening and counseling.This was positively reviewed by clinicians and patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The S-MASS model can function as a guide to help the clinician/patient team develop successful strategies for weight loss and maintenance of weight loss.
Welborn
Toney L
TL
Research Division Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 900 NE 10th Street, Room 2307, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA. toney-welborn@ouhsc.edu
Azarian
Maureen H
MH
Davis
Nathan J
NJ
Layton
James C
JC
Aspy
Cheryl B
CB
Mold
James W
JW
D000328:Adult; D037001:Directive Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D057240:Patient Preference; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D015431:Weight Loss