New Service Not Afraid of the "F" Word

The most recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 65 percent of U.S. adults - or about 129.6 million people - are either overweight or obese. In addition to decreasing quality of life and increasing the risk of premature death, obesity and overweight cost the Nation an estimated $117 billion in direct medical costs and indirect costs such as lost wages due to illness.

National Institute of H 2da0 ealth, August 2004

Busy family physicians will agree there is not enough time in their day to adequately counsel every patient who is obese or overweight. And yet obesity is associated with increased risk for hypertension, type II diabetes, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and several types of cancer. Obesity is a preventable disease that has reached epidemic proportions in North America. So what can a busy family physician do above and beyond recommending that their patients lose weight?

JLD & Associates have just launched a new service to help people understand the deeper issues that are making them fat. The service is a screening tool available to patients and health care professionals. It delivers a personalized, confidential, needs assessment based on a questionnaire filled in over the internet. WhyIamFat.com has been built using principles of adult learning to help people understand the detailed reasons in their life that stop them from being successful at losing weight. The report gives insights into common problems and suggests next steps for people committed to losing weight. It is an ideal discussion guide which can be used in consultation with a family physician, dietician or counselor. Patients will almost always find the results a real eye opener.

The WhyIamFat.com Needs Assessment has been developed with the help of educators, physicians, dietitians and exercise physiologists. Site licenses are available. JLD & Associates is a leader in active lifestyle education and weight management issues.

For further information: Jon Lynne-Davies, JLD & Associates

Email: jld@WhyIamFat.com, Tel: (519) 717-7913; www.WhyIamFat.com



Author Information

Jon Lynne-davies
JLD & ASSOCIATES