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Date of Award
Spring 2024
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Elizabeth Masten
Abstract
Supporting patients in optimizing health by treating obesity remains a relevant goal for primary care providers. While weight loss is frequently achieved with behavioral modification, maintaining weight loss by avoiding behavioral relapse is much more difficult. Patient may lose weight by reducing overall energy intake, incorporating intensive behavior change programs, utilizing pharmacotherapy as needed and, in certain cases, undergoing bariatric surgery. With a focus on behavior change and maintenance, primary care providers can support patients by planning more frequent follow up appointments, at least every one to three months. In these visits, PCPs can: focus on reenforcing lifestyle change principles that led to patients’ initial weight loss and addressing triggers for behavioral relapse with in-office discussion and targeted referrals. With effective support patients are more successful in maintaining positive lifestyle changes.
Recommended Citation
Blanchard, Hayden R., "The Role of Primary Care Providers in Maintaining Weight Loss by Preventing Behavioral Relapse" (2024). Capstone Showcase. 90.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2024/pa/90
The Role of Primary Care Providers in Maintaining Weight Loss by Preventing Behavioral Relapse
Supporting patients in optimizing health by treating obesity remains a relevant goal for primary care providers. While weight loss is frequently achieved with behavioral modification, maintaining weight loss by avoiding behavioral relapse is much more difficult. Patient may lose weight by reducing overall energy intake, incorporating intensive behavior change programs, utilizing pharmacotherapy as needed and, in certain cases, undergoing bariatric surgery. With a focus on behavior change and maintenance, primary care providers can support patients by planning more frequent follow up appointments, at least every one to three months. In these visits, PCPs can: focus on reenforcing lifestyle change principles that led to patients’ initial weight loss and addressing triggers for behavioral relapse with in-office discussion and targeted referrals. With effective support patients are more successful in maintaining positive lifestyle changes.