Obesity is a complex disease and it is not surprising that many healthcare professionals feel daunted about tackling the problem. Time restrictions and the lack of suitable resources underlie the concerns that some health professionals express with regard to treating obesity. Others highlight that inadequate training, skills and support undermine their confidence in dealing with obese patients.

Many more practitioners express concerns about the treatment options available to them.^1,2 It is understandable, therefore, that in the face of the ever-increasing demands and expectations placed upon primary care, the addition of obesity management can seem a daunting prospect indeed.

There are, however, very compelling reasons as to why obesity should be addressed within primary care.

1. The recognition that obesity is a serious medical condition has increased.

In the UK, organisations such as the National Obesity Forum (NOF www.nationalobesityforum.org.uk), the Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO www.aso.org.uk), and Dietitians in Obesity Management UK (DOM UK www.domuk.org) have been formed in response to the demand for greater support for and commitment to the treatment and prevention of obesity. Many more international bodies, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Obesity Taskforce (IOTF) also advocate the need to address the problem of obesity.

2. The government is concerned with the increasing levels of obesity.

A report published by the National Audit Office in 2001, entitled ‘Tackling Obesity in England’, highlighted that most contact with overweight and obese people occurs in primary care.^₃ A survey of general practices showed that many offer a range of strategies but that obesity protocols are not widely used in primary care and, as such, need further development.

3. General practice is where most people, obese or not, come into contact with medical services.

The contact afforded to primary healthcare staff presents an opportunity to monitor and manage obesity sooner rather than later. Primary healthcare professionals also offer a credible source of information, advice and support to their patients.

4. The rising levels of obesity will impact on other areas of healthcare provision.

The National Service Framework (NSF) for both coronary heart disease (CHD) and diabetes, outline clearly the responsibility of primary care teams in  implementing effective strategies for the prevention and management of such   conditions. The rising levels of obesity will impact greatly on the likelihood of effectively combating CHD, diabetes and other conditions associated with obesity, such as cancer, arthritis, respiratory and gastrointestinal disease.

5. The increasing prevalence of obesity in children is of grave concern.

The first cases of type 2 diabetes in adolescents have already been reported in the UK. Children can be closely monitored within primary care (in school, surgeries and at home), and opportunities exist for early detection and management of the overweight and obese.