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Physicians Not Immune to Obesity
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MMS Undertakes Initiatives
to Address Physician Obesity
The MMS Committee on Nutrition is working
to address issues of obesity. To assist physicians struggling
with weight loss, the MMS Committee on Nutrition is planning
a pilot weight-loss program to take place this fall. The initiative
will feature eight sessions and be limited to approximately
10 physicians.
Additionally, the Committee will work
with fellows in preventive medicine from the UMass Medical
School to survey primary care physicians in Massachusetts
to assess physicians' attitudes and practices with overweight
and obese patients.
If you are interested in participating
in either of these initiatives, contact Robyn Alie at (800)
322-2303, ext. 7371, or by e-mail her at ralie@mms.org.
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According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 44 million Americans
are considered obese -- a problem afflicting physicians as well
as the general public.
"Physicians are concerned with caring
for patients, but it's important for us to take care of ourselves
as well," said Brenda Richardson, M.D., chair of the MMS Committee
on Nutrition.
Lynda Young, M.D., a pediatrician from Worcester
who successfully lost 30 pounds, acknowledges the challenges physicians
face when they are trying to lose weight. "Time is definitely
the most common barrier. When we are on the run, healthy food may
not be readily available," said Dr. Young.
For those who are trying to lose weight, Dr.
Young suggests finding an enjoyable sport or activity and then making
the time to do it. "Even when I was on call, I would go for
a walk with my cell phone and beeper. If I got a call in the middle
of my walk, I would sit in the park and finish my call and then
continue walking," says Dr. Young.
A study published in January 2003 issue of
Preventive Medicine indicated that patients were more receptive
to disease treatment advice from doctors who look healthier. Dr.
Young says, "My patients have noticed my weight loss, and I have
noticed changes in my patients, too. A lot of the mothers of the
children got motivated to lose weight after hearing my story."
Dr. Young advises, "The path to weight
loss is hard. Never give up. A few failed attempts can eventually
lead to successful weight loss."
- Arpita Jindani
| obesity,public health,committee |
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