Obesity guidelines outline when to prescribe drugs
Obesity guidelines outline when to prescribe drugs
New obesity guidelines have recently been released by C. Everett Koop, MD, former U.S. surgeon general. The guidelines include specific instructions to physicians on the use of low-calorie diets, drug therapy, and surgery in obese patients. For example, for a patient considered to have a "moderate" health risk, dietary modification and increased physical activity are recommended.
Weight-reduction surgery and drugs are reserved for patients with the greatest health risks. The patient’s body-mass index is determined, then co-morbid conditions such as hypertension are taken into account. Waist-to-hip ratio are measured, and a family history is obtained as well.
To obtain a free copy of the guidelines, call (301) 493-6603.
• April 5-6, Nutritional Approaches to Disease Prevention and Treatment Sponsored by Harvard Medical School. Contact: Harvard Medical School CME, P.O. Box 825, Boston, MA 02117-0825. Telephone: (617) 432-1525. E-mail: [email protected].
• April 12, Update Course on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias Sponsored by JHMI. Contact: (see above).
• April 17-18, Seventh Annual Clinical Care of the Patient with HIV Infection Sponsored by the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions (JHMI). Contact: JHMI, Office of CME, Turner 20, 720 Rutland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21205-2195. Telephone: (410) 955-2959. Fax: (410) 955-0807.
• May 16-21, American Lung Association 1997 International Conference Sponsored by American Lung Association (ALA). Contact: ALA/ATS, 1740 Broadway, New York, NY 10019-4374. Telephone: (212) 315-8700. E-mail: http://www.thoracic.org. Fax: (212) 315-6498.
• May 30-31, Second Annual Cardiovascular Symposium with the Experts Sponsored by JHMI. Contact: See above.
Subscribe Now for Access
You have reached your article limit for the month. We hope you found our articles both enjoyable and insightful. For information on new subscriptions, product trials, alternative billing arrangements or group and site discounts please call 800-688-2421. We look forward to having you as a long-term member of the Relias Media community.