subject: Obese Visit Their Doctor More Often Than Smokers [print this page] Obese Visit Their Doctor More Often Than Smokers
Obese Visit Their Doctor More Often Than Smokers
According to a report from the BBC, overweight people (including overweight children) are more likely to make frequent trips to their doctor than smokers. Dutch researchers say that this finding cannot be explained by diseases relating to being overweight, such as diabetes.
Obesity-Related Factors
Of the lifestyle factors reviewed in the study, only body mass index (BMI) was independently associated with more frequent doctor visits. This was true for both men and women and could not be explained by higher rates of chronic illness. While researchers did not find a reason for why overweight people may visit their doctor more often, they did offer some speculations. They think that it may be due to the fact that many obese people (including obese children) have minor complaints, such as sleep problems or muscle and joint pain.
Burden on Doctors
As obesity is on the rise, doctors are going to be under increasing pressure since their number of obese patients (and visits) will increase. Also, because obesity is still on the rise, doctors will have to do more to identify overweight or obese patients and manage them accordingly. The researchers are suggesting that much of this treatment include lifestyle change so that overweight and obese patients can help themselves to become healthier and to stay that way for as long as possible.
Money Issues
Since obese individuals see the doctor more, they are probably paying more money for doctor visits each year. If obese patients received the right kind of care and/or make a major lifestyle change, they may be able to decrease the amount of visits to their doctor they have per year, as well as decrease their yearly doctor visit costs.
For a major positive lifestyle change, consider a weight loss camp for children or a weight loss program for adults. Shane Weight Loss camps and resorts are a great option for anyone looking to make a postive change and begin a healthy lifestyle. Other options include joining a gym, hiring a nutritionist, joining an online weight loss program or modifying your diet. It is never too soon or too late to care about your health, and making a lifestyle change such as this can positively impact the rest of your life.
