rp_HDA62G.jpg

Normal-weight counselors feel more successful than heavier counselors at helping obese patients slim down, study suggests

A new study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that normal-weight nutrition and exercise counselors report feeling significantly more successful in getting their obese patients to lose weight than those who are overweight or obese.

A report on the findings, published online Sept. 4 in the journal Obesity, suggests that patients may be more receptive to those who “practice what they preach.”

“Our research shows that the personal weight of health professionals matters when assessing their perceived level of success in helping obese patients to lose weight,” says study leader Sara Bleich, PhD, an associate professor with the Bloomberg School’s Department of Health Policy and Management. “Health professionals who maintain a healthy weight feel more empowered to help their obese patients achieve their weight loss goals and reported being more successful at helping obese patients lose weight.”

The researchers surveyed 500 non-physician health professionals specializing in nutrition, nursing, behavior/mental health, exercise and pharmacy between January 20 and February 5, 2014. Professionals of all weights, the survey found, were equally confident in their ability to relay proper weight-loss advice and felt that patients were equally receptive to it. But 52 percent of those counselors of normal weight reported success in helping obese patients achieve clinically significant weight loss as compared to 29 percent of overweight counselors.

The study also found that most health professionals, regardless of their weight, do not feel successful in helping patients with weight loss until they are morbidly obese, which suggests missed opportunities for early intervention. Obesity affects one-third of the U.S. adult population and is estimated to cost $ 147 billion annually, with only about one-third of patients receiving a diagnosis and one-fifth receiving weight-related counseling.

A 2012 study led by Bleich on the impact of physician BMI on obesity care found that size also matters when it comes to physician care of obese patients. It found that normal-weight physicians, as compared to overweight/obese physicians, were more likely to provide recommended obesity care to their patients and feel confident doing so.

“More research is needed to understand how to improve obesity care delivered by non-physician health professionals, and why these groups do not typically initiate weight management discussions until their patients are morbidly obese, regardless of their personal body weight,” Bleich says. “Going forward, it will be important to increase the confidence, perception and skill set among all health professionals who work on this public health issue.”

Story Source:

The above story is based on materials provided by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

Original story here.
Fitness News — Sciencedaily
— Courtesy “Science News Daily” (ScienceNewsDaily.com)

Instructions for use of FPT kegel exerciser. Kegels work! But kegels performed with progressive resistive weight training work better and faster. Visit us at…
Video Rating: 3 / 5

22cm Dog Frisbee Flying Disc Training Pad (Green)


This dog frisbee is great toy for your dogs and give them really good exercise.

Price: $ 6.49
Sold by Focalprice.com

Skratch Labs Lemons & Limes, 1 lb Exercise Hydration Mix


Lemons & Limes, 1 lb Exercise Hydration Mix
List Price: $ 19.50
Price: $ 19.50


You May Also Like These Topics...
2 women playing soccer on green grass field during daytime

You Can Help Your Child Get More Exercise By Following These 5 Tips

Does your child get enough exercise? You can get your children more active with these 5 fun parenting tips.

man in black t-shirt and black shorts running on road during daytime

Better Health in Four Steps

In just four steps, you can improve your health for the better and this article will show you how. The steps below are bite-sized nuggets of health information you can actually use to live a healthy life. Here we go… Nutritional supplements are the first step As far as I’m concerned, they are very important […]

Top 4 Nutrition Predictions in the New Year

Several food and nutrition trends were in the spotlight this year, including the continued rise of plant-based diets, non-dairy ice creams and superfoods that are blasts from the past — legumes, apples and cabbage. It can be easy to experience nutrition whiplash in the New Year, but don’t be a victim. Get a jump-start on […]

Want to lose weight? Research proves a big breakfast is the first step

If you want to lose weight, you’re not alone. More than half of Americans desire to shed pounds, according to Gallup. This goal inspires people to take action in many ways, from increasing exercise to modifying meals. One thing many people do is skip breakfast in order to lower calorie intake. While this may seem […]

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Previous Post
rp_My_Weight_Loss_Coach_Coverart.png
Fat Loss Healthy Lifestyle

The Secret Of Weight Loss Water

Next Post
rp_350px-Stevia_rebaudiana_flowers.jpg
Healthy Lifestyle Supplements

The #1 Sugar Alternative: Healthy, Natural And Sweet – The Ultimate Substitute!

Leave a Reply

0 Shares
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin