Second only to tobacco as a cause of preventable death and disease, obesity is linked to serious chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease hypertension and cancer. Preventing obesity is one of the MMA’s highest priorities.
The Minnesota Medical Association, the Minnesota Council of Health Plans, and the Minnesota Department of Health have recognized obesity as a preventable and treatable disease.
Physicians can help prevent and treat obesity:
- Calculate your patient's BMI during regular screening exams
- Use ICSI Guidelines for preventing and treating obesity
- Tell your patients that obesity can be treated
- Provide access to medical nutrition, therapy, medications, or surgery.