Weight loss counseling by health care providers

Objectives. This study explores the pattern of weight loss counseling by he alth care providers in Connecticut and the associated weight loss efforts b y patients. Methods. Data from the 1994 Connecticut Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance system survey were analyzed to determine (1) the frequency of weight manag ement counseling by health care providers of overweight adults with and wit hout additional cardiovascular risk factors and (2) the current weight loss practices of overweight subjects. Results. Only 29% of all overweight respondents, and fewer than half with a dditional cardiovascular risk factors, reported that they had been counsele d to lose weight. Conclusions. the findings suggest need for more counseling of overweight pe rsons, especially those with cardiovascular disease risk factors.