Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies Center for Health Policy/Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research Stanford University


CHP/PCOR Publications


Underdiagnosis of Obesity in Adults in US Outpatient Settings

Commentary

Authors
Jun Ma - Stanford University
Lan Xiao
Randall S. Stafford - Stanford University

Published by
Archives of Internal Medicine, Vol. 169 no. 3, page(s) 313-4
Feb 9, 2009


Obesity affects nearly 32%—more than 60 million—American adults. The obesity epidemic imposes an enormous cost on the nation's health and economy. Evidence-based clinical guidelines recommend that treatment for obesity incorporates a 2-step process: assessment and management. Routine screening and accurate diagnosis are among the first steps leading to proper treatment. However, research on obesity screening and diagnosis in US outpatient settings is limited.