The Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) is hopeful that the appointment of Dr. Vivek Murthy to U.S. surgeon general will lead to greater awareness about the role of obesity medicine clinicians in health care.
Obesity medicine treatment clinicians are physicians and other health care providers trained in the specialized field of obesity treatment. Obesity medicine clinicians employ a variety of evidence-based approaches to help patients lose weight, maintain a healthier lifestyle, and overcome a number of obesity-related conditions.
Murthy stated that obesity prevention, through obesity medicine treatment, is among his top priorities for the position. With an epidemic as widespread as obesity, OMA encourages Murthy to enlist the support of obesity medicine clinicians.
“The public health consequences of obesity are pervasive, and its treatment is complex,” said OMA President-elect Dr. Deborah Bade Horn. “We hope that in working with Dr. Murthy, we can raise awareness about these consequences and the availability of effective obesity treatment options.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults are affected by obesity. In 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) declared obesity a chronic disease state.
“The surgeon general has always influenced and improved public health, as it did with the campaign to prevent tobacco-related diseases,” said OMA President Dr. Eric C. Westman. “We believe the time has come for a surgeon general’s report on obesity.”
Individuals seeking medical obesity treatment can search for an obesity medicine clinician in their area at www.FindObesityTreatment.org.