Weight management and chronic disease

Abstract Background: Obesity, in addition to being a serious condition in its own right, is causally associated with many chronic non-communicable diseases, and its prevention, identification and treatment is a public health priority. Results: The main findings of the present thesis were that 1) many drugs, used in the management of chronic disease, have an adverse effect on body weight with weight change of +10kg observed as a real side effect of some. 2) Identification and management of obesity is not a formal part of current practice in many secondary care clinics. While acknowledging the adverse health effects of obesity within their specialist areas, clinicians felt under-skilled and insufficiently resourced to provide effective management. 3) Improvements in iron status in pre-menopausal women can be achieved during weight loss, using eating plans that either include or exclude red meat. The data while in-conclusive suggest that a diet including red meat may confer greater benefits on iron status. Discussion: Weight gain is an adverse effect of many drugs used to treat chronic diseases. This should be discussed with patients prior to treatment and advice provided on how to avoid or minimise weight gain. NHS secondary care consultants are concerned about obesity and its impact on their patient’s health. Most have no weight management strategy and would like one. This will require additional training and resources. Excluding red meat did not adversely affect iron status in pre-menopausal women. A larger study is required for definitive health promotion advice. Conclusion: Pharmacotherapy is a significant factor in the rising prevalence of obesity. Weight management is not an integral part of patient care in secondary care clinic settings. The exclusion of red meat during weight management does not compromise iron status in pre-menopausal women with low iron stores.