Restructuring the therapeutic environment to promote care and safety for the obese patient

Fifty-four percent of American adults are overweight. Obesity is a chronic disease associated with a number of conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, certain types of cancers, and breathing problems. The direct and indirect costs related to obesity exceed $70 billion annually. Because of the many cost and quality issues related to obesity, national attention is turning toward the special needs of this population. Strategies to restructure therapeutic intervention with attention to risk management, economic implications, and patient satisfaction are important considerations when managing the obese patient.