Assessment of the obese patient.

Obesity may be the most significant medical problem that health care providers will face over the coming decades. Physicians must aggressively address this chronic disease, providing both preventive and therapeutic care. Because this topic traditionally has not been taught in medical schools, physicians need to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be effective obesity care providers. Performing a detailed initial assessment, including an obesity-focused history, physical examination, and selected laboratory and diagnostic tests, is fundamental to the process of care.