Guidelines Push Doctors to Assist Weight Loss

New guidelines aim to promote a more active role for doctors in treating obesity. The Obesity Society, American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology developed the guidelines. Journals of these groups published the guidelines this week. The guidelines are based on the latest research about which patients can benefit from weight loss and what works best to accomplish that. The guidelines summarize what research has shown about how weight loss can reduce the risks of heart disease, diabetes and early death. Some people who are overweight but otherwise healthy may not need to lose. The guidelines say doctors should assess each patient. They should develop individual plans to help those who can benefit from weight loss. Plans should include diet, exercise and counseling to help people change behavior. No specific diet is recommended.