Implementation of a weight management pharmaceutical care service

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Care
• Public Health
• Obesity Management

Background:

• Obesity is a major US health epidemic, contributing to preventable illness and death.
• Pharmacists are well-positioned to provide essential weight management services.
• Pharmacy-led programs can elevate public awareness of pharmaceutical care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the implementation of a weight management pharmaceutical care service.
• To assess the outcomes of this service at a university-based pharmaceutical care center.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 289 patient records from the Healthy Habits program.
• Evaluation of changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage.
• Assessment of alterations in weight-related health conditions.

Main Results:

• Total net weight loss exceeded 1021 kg, with a mean patient loss of 3.6 kg (10% of baseline).
• Maximum mean weight loss per patient was 5.5 kg (15% of baseline).
• 83 patients reduced their BMI category, and 76 improved their health risk status.

Conclusions:

• The Healthy Habits program effectively reduced patient weight, BMI, and associated health risks.
• The service enhanced the identification of other patient pharmaceutical care needs.
• The program solidified the pharmacist's role in obesity management.