Integrating diet, physical activity and weight management services into primary care

ABSTRACT

Europe is severely affected by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which account for 77% of the burden of disease and nearly 86% of premature mortality. Global recommendations for halting the NCD epidemic include a comprehensive set of activities at both population and individual levels to reduce the risk factors. Primary care plays a critical role in the provision of services to promote healthy diets, engage individuals in physical activity and assist patients in weight management. This publication is based on three policy questions What is the evidence for the effectiveness of diet, physical activity and weight management services in primary care? Which challenges in health services and systems impede the delivery of such services in primary care? What are the entry points to ensure better delivery of these services in primary care? Drawing on the conceptual guidance of the European Framework for Action on Integrated Services Delivery, this publication provides guidance on the transformations required in health services delivery to integrate diet, physical activity and weight management services into primary care.