Identifying an Obese Patient Likely to Benefit from an Exercise Regimen

Description

Although all obese patients should be encouraged to pursue some form of exercise, some patients are more likely to be successful than others. Buskirk identified features that can help identify an obese patient who is likely to benefit most from an exercise program.

More Likely to Benefit	Less Likely to Benefit
mild to moderate obesity	morbidly obese
onset of obesity as an adult	lifelong obesity
first attempt at weight loss	numerous unsuccessful attempts at weight loss
sincerely desires to lose weight	indifferent to or opposes weight loss
psychologically well-adjusted to meet weight loss goals	psychological barriers that prevent reaching goals
able to understand and follow instructions	unable to follow directions
no comorbid conditions or disability	comorbid condition or disability

Additional factors may include:

More Likely to Benefit	Less Likely to Benefit
enjoys exercise	negative attitude towards exercise
positive support and encouragement	opposition or resistance by others
persistent and willing to stick it out	easily frustrated

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Description

Specialty

ICD-10