Over half of the adult population in the United States is overweight or obese, and obesity is identified as a major public health problem in the Healthy People 2010 objectives. Most physicians and health professionals feel inadequately prepared to deal with weight-related issues. Vertically integrating learning objectives into the medical and other health profession school curricula can foster the development of the attitudes, knowledge, and skills needed to deal with obesity. The Nutrition Academic Award (NAA) is developing innovative approaches for assessing obesity and other nutrition topics suitable for curriculum integration. The NAA has developed a quick assessment method, consistent with the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, for use in primary care practices. The assessment, which will be discussed during this presentation, is designed to encourage patient-provider dialogue about the pros and cons of current status related to Weight, Activity, Variety, and Excess (WAVE). The interviewer can address Weight and Activity by focusing on the patient's health history, current behaviors, and goals. Variety and Excess can be evaluated using dietary intake information obtained from a self-administered questionnaire or a very brief (2-3 minute) 24-hour recall. The interviewer focuses on Variety to assess nutritional balance and food selection within and between food groups utilizing the Food Pyramid. The discussion of Excess focuses on identifying behaviors, portions or foods contributing to calorie or other imbalances. Innovative approaches for integrating nutrition and obesity-related content will help prepare health professionals to deal with the public health burden related to obesity.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Nutrition, Teaching
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.