Combating Obesity: Creating a Comprehensive Wellness Plan for Uninsured & Low-Income Populations

Aim: The aim of this project was to research the specific barriers encountered by obese patients that are low-income and uninsured. The goal of this data collection was to inform the stakeholders involved in creating a comprehensive wellness plan for obese patients. Background: The staff at Good Neighbor Clinic have struggled to support their support their obese patients with weight reduction. Many of the ailments that patients seek care for correlate to their obesity. Health promotion in this community clinic needs a more comprehensive program to support patients during their weight loss experience, providing support and resources to allow for success. Method: An Obesity Adjustment Dialogue Tool (OADT) was utilized to interview patients on components of their daily lives that are impacted by their obesity. The OADT was made available in English and Spanish, to create open discussion regarding individual patient’s obesity impact. This dialogue tool is designed to use Likert-style questions about personal impacts of obesity, with holistic consideration of the individual participant. The results were analyzed, and based on the evidence gathered, a comprehensive weight reduction program will be piloted in the future. Results: Patient responses revealed significant concern for long-term health consequences of obesity, difficulty controlling cravings and amounts of food intake. Patients report minimal interference with daily activities and relationships due to obesity. Conclusion: Interdisciplinary comprehensive strategies provided in a community weight reduction program can help to facilitate weight reduction success with obese patients. Education on long-term impacts of obesity and strategies to control cravings and dietary intake as essential to combat the challenges expressed by this patient population.