Task force recommends obesity screening for all adults

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force on June 26 recommended primary care clinicians screen all adults for obesity, and refer adults with a body mass index of 30 or more to a comprehensive weight loss/behavior management program. The panel found evidence that intensive programs with 12-26 sessions in the first year can help people manage their weight.

In a separate recommendation, the panel found only small benefits to initiating counseling for the general adult population to promote a healthy diet and physical activity to prevent cardiovascular disease. “Clinicians may choose to selectively counsel patients rather than incorporate counseling into the care of all adults in the general population,” the panel said.