Outpatient evaluation of obesity in adults and children

Abstract

A chart audit of 115 adults and 113 children seen consecutively in an internal medicine/pediatrics residency was conducted to assess recognition of obesity and appropriateness of suggested therapy. Patients were categorized as obese, overweight, or normal based on body mass index. Forty-four percent of the children and 50% of the adults were classified as overweight or obese. Residents were more likely to document obesity in adults (53%) than in children (18%, p<0.0001). Higher degree of obesity in adults increased resident documentation of the condition (p=0.022), but presence of additional cardiovascular risk factors did not. When overweight or obesity was recognized, residents chose appropriate therapy. Enhanced education to improve recognition of obesity appears warranted.