Development of an obesity counseling model based on a study of determinants of intentional sustained weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are at epidemic proportions. This study examines the attitudes and actions of Oklahoma clinicians in obesity treatment, and the characteristics and perceptions of a subset of their patients who lost weight and were able to maintain weight loss. METHODS: Our study was a small mixed method study involving both surveys and interviews. Descriptive statistics were calculated, content analysis of interviews performed, and a model outline for obesity counseling was developed. RESULTS: Only 38% of the 66 clinicians surveyed try to motivate their patients to lose weight. Patients interviewed recommended that clinicians treat obesity as a medical problem. We incorporated themes from the patient interviews into the S-MASS model for obesity screening and counseling.This was positively reviewed by clinicians and patients. CONCLUSION: The S-MASS model can function as a guide to help the clinician/patient team develop successful strategies for weight loss and maintenance of weight loss.