Behavior Counseling for Obese and Overweight, Says USPSTF

Overweight or obese adults who have additional cardiovascular disease risk factors should receive behavior counseling to promote a healthy diet and physical activity, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) said on Tuesday.

A systematic review of 74 trials found that intensive interventions helped patients lose weight and reduce their lipid levels, blood pressure, and glucose levels. The review was performed by investigators from the Kaiser Permanente Research Affiliates Evidence-based Practice Center (KPRA EPC), and the results were published on Aug. 26.

"The review solidifies our understanding of good behavioral counseling research over decades," said Jennifer Lin, MD, MCR, the associate director of the KPRA EPC and one of the authors of the review.

"It shows us that intensive behavioral counseling focusing on dietary healthy eating and regular exercise especially in persons who have cardiovascular risk factors, can in the long term translate into real health benefits."

Read the compelte report: http://bit.ly/1tJKwOM

Source: Medpage Today