FAT patients should be weighed every year so doctors can keep an eye on them, the NHS watchdog says.
Closer monitoring of unhealthy people’s waistlines is being recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Fat patients should be weighed every year so doctors can keep an eye on them, the NHS watchdog says[/caption]
It suggests those with long-term illnesses have their body mass index updated on their medical records at least once every 12 months.
If the policy passes consultation, it would be introduced for the chronically ill, including those with diabetes, high cholesterol, heart and lung diseases or sleep apnoea.
NICE chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Benger said: “Identifying trends before they become problems can help prevent more serious health complications down the line.
“Annual monitoring of BMI and waist-to-height ratio is a powerful tool to help prevent diabetes, heart disease or other obesity-related conditions.”
He suggested being monitored would help patients get faster access to help, such as fat jabs or slimming classes, with managing weight.
Obesity rates in England have doubled since the 1990s with two thirds of adults now overweight.
It has driven up rates of diabetes, cancer, heart disease and dementia.
NICE said some doctors already kept tabs on their patients’ size but it should become standard.
The proposed guideline says patients have the right to refuse to be measured.
It states: “Healthcare professionals should approach conversations in a sensitive, non-judgemental way and respect the person’s choice if they do not wish to discuss their weight.”
Dell Stanford, of the British Heart Foundation, said: “The more options available to support people the better.
“It is important we take opportunities to identify all who are at risk as early as possible.”
A decision on the proposals is due in August.
Obesity rates in England have doubled since the 1990s with two thirds of adults now overweight[/caption]
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