ACP’s commitment to health equity includes addressing systemic factors that influence chronic health conditions, particularly those that disproportionately impact underserved populations. One risk factor often presents with and exacerbates such conditions: body weight that meets clinical criteria for obesity. The clinical approach to obesity must consider individual differences and emphasize patient-centered health outcomes and approaches.
Recognizing that the predictors of obesity are often wrapped up in healthcare access and other socioeconomic factors, ACP acknowledges the opportunity to nuance clinical guidelines, improve physician education for enhanced patient communication, support development of effective patient education tools, and expand advocacy engagement and focus to address factors which could help address the impact of obesity on US populations.