Wellness Programs: Weight Management

Posted: Wednesday, August 10, 2006

Obesity is the most common chronic disease state in America.  More than 60% of patients are above their ideal body weight and greater than 30% of adults over the age of 18 are considered obese. Patients who are overweight are more likely to suffer from serious illnesses.

Overweight females have a 50% greater chance of developing breast, cervical, uterine or ovarian cancer than their lighter counterparts.  Overweight men are at a 40% greater risk of developing colon or prostate cancer.  Additionally, as a patient's weight increases there is also an increased risk for the development of diabetes, gallbladder disease, asthma and sleep apnea.

Background                                                                                                                  Marcrom's Pharmacy, located in Manchester, TN, and was established in 1978 by owner Ray Marcrom.  It is an apothecary practice that has grown to include three divisions including the pharmacy, specialty and sterile compounding and clinical care and consulting.  The pharmacy offers many health screening and disease management services, which include blood pressure monitoring, diabetes, asthma and anticoagulation management, as well as the nutrition and weight management program.  has been enrolling patients in a weight management program since January of 2000. 

The Program                                                                                                                          This program was begun by a pharmacy resident with the support from an APhA Foundation Incentive Grant for Practitioner Innovation in Pharmaceutical Care.  Marcrom stated that, "the recruitment of patients for this program was not difficult because of the health screening and disease management programs that the pharmacy offers."  Additionally, to increase awareness fliers were printed and given to patients to inform them about the weight management program.

Much like the FDA's recently released report, Calories Count: Report of the Working Group on Obesity. Marcrom's message to their patients is that calorie balance is the key, 'calories in must equal calories out to control weight.'

The weight management program consists of the following:                   

a)  Patient Assessment (Initial)

• Body weight obtained
• Body Mass Index calculated
• Waist Circumference measures
• Basic Nutrition counseling

b)  Follow up (Every 2 weeks)

• Progress Monitoring
• Additional Counseling; including how to read the Nutrition Facts panel (NFP), encourage regular exercise and eating properly. 
• Review medication records

Next Page