A Practical Approach to the Patient with Obesity

The prevalence of obesity and obesity-related comorbidities is rising. Primary care physicians are the frontline of healthcare and play a central role in the management of obesity. In this article, we discuss the 5As framework (Ask, Assess, Advise, Agree, and Assist) as a practical framework for obesity counselling, focusing on initiating the conversation and assessing the person with obesity. The assessment includes taking a weight history, excluding secondary causes, understanding lifestyle factors contributing to weight gain and assessing for complications of obesity. This assessment then makes it possible for subsequent patient engagement, including advising, agreeing (goal setting), and assisting the patient on an individualised care plan.