A recent Novo Nordisk study showed that older Americans who suffer from obesity don’t typically manage their weight unless a life-changing medical event occurs, such as a heart attack or stroke.
The Awareness, Care and Treatment In Obesity Management (ACTION) Study was recently reported to the 26th Annual Scientific and Clinical Congress of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
"Obesity is linked to more than 230 other medical conditions, often more prevalent in the older generation," Angela Golden, study co-author and ACTION steering committee member, said in an announcement. "We know that even a 5 percent to 10 percent weight loss may significantly reduce health risks associated with obesity, so there is a pressing need for the health care community to focus on ensuring early and comprehensive access to obesity care.”
Golden said she is optimistic that health care practitioners (HCPs) after seeing this report, will work to reduce obesity in older Americans and provide care before they need it. She said through collaboration, HCPs could help patients get help losing weight before a major life event occurs, according to the release.
The study included over 3,000 adults, who completed online surveys. Thirty-one percent of participants were 65 years of age or older
