Given the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their associated health conditions, clinicians will be increasingly tasked with the responsibility of addressing overweight and obesity. This article reviews the 5As approach—assess, advise, agree, assist, arrange—and how clinicians can use the approach facilitate weight management discussions with their patients that met the recommendations provided in the 2013 adult weight management guidelines issued by the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/The Obesity Society.
Key points
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Clinicians should use an evidenced-based strategy like the 5As—assess, advise, agree, assist, arrange—to facilitate weight management counseling with their patients.
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Initial weight loss goal should be a 3% to 5% loss over a 3- to 6-month period through engaging in a high-intensity, comprehensive lifestyle change program that includes a moderately reduced calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behavioral strategies.
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Referral to locally available evidence-based weight loss programs should be considered, including the National Diabetes Prevention Program or commercial weight-loss programs like Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig.
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Continued follow-up and surveillance after weight loss are critical for weight loss maintenance.
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