Provide Longitudinal Care

Long-Term Support for Obesity Management

Obesity is a chronic disease that requires regular ongoing follow-up care. After the primary care team makes the necessary referrals, regular points of follow-up should be established. In addition to ensuring that the person has been able to access needed resources, this process can be helpful for refining the referral process and list of resources based on patient feedback. 

Referral

Follow-up

Check-in

Practice Pearl | Comprehensive Treatment Matters

Joseph Sapone, MBA, Founder and President, P4+, (Achieved weight loss success)

The other different thing was that not only was I getting treated, but I was also getting a very comprehensive treatment from somebody who was trained in obesity as a specialty... It was multifaceted... caloric reduction, logging food, macronutrients, consistent blood work... It was earth-shattering to me how effective it was.

Monitor Progress and Adjust Care

Additionally, the primary care team should monitor progress toward short-term and long-term goals.

Successes, however small, should be celebrated and setbacks should be acknowledged as learning opportunities to fine-tune individualized approaches.
If the patient is not making progress toward goals, primary care providers can provide support by assisting with the identification of barriers and working with the interprofessional care team to explore alternative approaches as appropriate.

Ongoing Monitoring

Medications

Physical Activity

Healthful Nutritional Patterns

Maintain Support After Goals Are Achieved

Ongoing monitoring should continue after patients reach their treatment goals to maintain the focus on continued physical activity, healthful nutritional patterns, and medications as needed to help minimize weight regain. 

Refer | Approaches to Implement

Overview | Refer to Members of the Health Care Team with Expertise Managing Weight | Share Resources | Provide Longitudinal Care | Refer References