[Implementing support for obese people in Guadeloupe]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Clinical Medicine

Context:

• Guadeloupe faces an alarming obesity and overweight prevalence, with 52% of adults affected, surpassing mainland France's 47%.
• Primary care teams are actively incorporating obesity screening, care, and referral into their clinical practices.
• A significant need exists for localized, accessible patient support strategies.

Purpose:

• To describe the design and implementation of a structured outpatient program addressing the high prevalence of obesity in Guadeloupe.
• To outline a multidisciplinary approach essential for effective patient support and management.
• To establish an "outreach" model for delivering specialized care within the local community.

Summary:

• A structured, multidisciplinary outpatient program has been developed by a dedicated team to manage the high rates of obesity in Guadeloupe.
• The program emphasizes patient commitment and acceptance, integrating screening, care, and referral pathways within primary care.
• It serves as a local, outreach-oriented solution to meet the specific needs of the affected population.

Impact:

• The program aims to provide a practical, localized response to the escalating obesity epidemic in Guadeloupe.
• It facilitates a collaborative, patient-centered approach to weight management within the primary care setting.
• Successful implementation could serve as a model for other regions facing similar public health challenges.