title: An Evidence-based Guide for Obesity Treatment in Primary Care.
abstract: On behalf of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, we present a model of obesity management in primary care based on the 5As counseling framework (Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, and Arrange). Primary care physicians can use the 5As framework to build and coordinate a multidisciplinary team that: 1) addresses patients' psychosocial issues and medical and psychiatric comorbidities associated with obesity treatment failure; 2) delivers intensive counseling that consists of goal setting, self-monitoring, and problem solving; and 3) connects patients with community resources to assist them in making healthy lifestyle changes. This paper outlines reimbursement guidelines and weight-management counseling strategies, and provides a framework for building a multidisciplinary team to maximize the patient's success at weight management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.
authors.forename: Stephanie L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
authors.affiliation: Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY.
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wischenka
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.
authors.forename: Bradley M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Appelhans
authors.affiliation: Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester.
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pbert
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Mass.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia.
authors.forename: Dawn K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester. Electronic address: Sherry.Pagoto@umassmed.edu.
authors.forename: Sherry L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Pagoto
mesh_terms: D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003376:Counseling; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D012017:Referral and Consultation
keywords: 5As Counseling framework; Comorbidities; Obesity; Primary care