As the president of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP), I commend your effort to address the obesity epidemic and the important role physicians play in supporting weight loss efforts. However, I was very disappointed by the shortcomings of the article by Kolasa et al.
While the authors mentioned several resources that provide weight management tools, it is important to recognize the ASBP as a reputable source of clinical education and practical tools for the treatment of obesity. Founded in 1950, the ASBP’s mission is to advance and support the physician’s role in treating overweight patients.
Another shortcoming of the article: It states that physicians need fewer than 5 minutes to provide patients with basic counseling on healthy behaviors. While the ASBP membership would certainly agree that patients are considerably more likely to succeed at weight loss when supported by a physician, we view 5 minutes of basic counseling as simply inadequate. A successful weight loss program includes counseling on diet and nutrition, exercise, behavior, and prescription medications, if needed.
As the article states, most primary care physicians do not have the time, knowledge, or training to assist their obese patients with weight loss. I would like to suggest that physicians refer their patients to a medical bariatric physician in order to properly address obesity and its related comorbidities.
Larry A. Richardson, MD, FASBP
President, American Society of Bariatric Physicians
Aurora, Colo