Audit of the diagnosis and management of adult obesity in a Maltese general practice

Abstract

Obesity is an escalating health problem all over the world. Unfortunately, Malta lies on the upper end of the spectrum of mean population BMI (body-mass index). Family doctors are well placed to identify cases of obesity and offer health education, medication, follow-up and referral when necessary to help their clients lose weight. They can also help prevent obesity and its complications. The authors, who work in the southern harbour area of Malta, carried out an audit of the diagnosis and management of adult obesity within their Group Practice during the year 2010. The performance of the Practice vis-à-vis obesity in adults is compared to the standards set by the European Practice Guidelines for the Management of Obesity (2008), and recommendations made.