The Singapore Family Physician

Back to issue Vol 50 No. 9 - Lifestyle Medicine: Prescriptions For Better Health

How Primary Care Clinicians Can Manage Obesity: A Practical Guide in a Busy Clinic

Wee Xue Ting
The Singapore Family Physician Vol 50 No 9 - Lifestyle Medicine: Prescriptions For Better Health
27 September 2024
0377-5305
With the increasing prevalence of obesity, there is a pressing need for effective strategies in primary care settings. The Healthier SG initiative underscores the crucial role of primary care providers in managing obesity and preventing related chronic diseases. This paper aims to highlight key priorities for busy primary care clinics, offering a practical guide for clinicians, particularly general practitioners (GPs) and family physicians (FPs), to address obesity effectively. In this paper, we present the use of the 5A's framework—Ask, Assess, Advise, Agree, and Assist in weight management. We also discuss the lifestyle interventions, pharmacological treatments, and surgical options, prioritising the key focus areas allowing for impactful care delivery even in time-constrained environments. In addition, we outlined strategies for engaging patients through shared decision-making to set goals and develop personalised action plans. We also highlighted the use of a multidisciplinary team-based care approach to ensure holistic care paths to ensure the success of weight management. By equipping primary care professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills, we aim to enhance the efficacy of obesity management in Singapore, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of obesity-related health issues.