The Open Nutrition Journal

2018, 12 : 3-9
Published online 2018 April 30. DOI: 10.2174/1874288201812010003
Publisher ID: TONUTRJ-12-3

SHORT COMMUNICATION
 Management Strategy of Obesity in the Public Health System: Proposal of a New Model to Optimize Human Resources and Patient’s Motivation

Massimo Pellegrini1 , Michael Kob2 , Rita Trovato2 , Marion Schrei2 , Valentina Corazzini2 , Nicoletta Facchin2 , Mariantonietta Mazzoldi3 and Lucio Lucchin2, *
1 Department of Diagnostic, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, Modena, 41125, Italy & Azienda Usl of Reggio Emilia - IRCCS, Via Amendola, 2 - 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
2 Dietetic and Clinical Nutrition Unit, Health District of Bolzano, Lorenz-Böhler Street 5, Bolzano, 39100, Italy
3 Clinical Psychological Unit Health District of Bolzano, Lorenz-Böhler Street 5, Bolzano, 39100, Italy

* Address correspondence to this author at the Dietetic and Clinical Nutrition Unit, Health District of Bolzano, Lorenz-Böhler Street 5, Bolzano, 39100, Italy; Tel: +39 0471 908545; Fax: +39 0471 908707; E-mail: lucio.lucchin@sabes.it

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Obesity, a disease characterized by an excess of adipose tissue, is a worldwide issue of growing interest in public health.

Methods:

The multifactorial etiology and pathogenesis of obesity strongly orient the scientific community in considering it as a chronic disease without an effective therapy that works for all patients affected by this clinical condition. This leads to a proliferation of non-scientific and dangerous treatment proposals and fake news. The Dietetic and Clinical Nutrition Unit at Bolzano Hospital in Italy has adopted a new strategy based on transparency to optimize time for the first visit and particularly to increase patients’ knowledge and motivation.

Results:

This new strategy provides a preliminary consultation between patients who ask for a nutritional examination and a clinical team composed of a clinician, a dietician and a psychologist. We discuss the preliminary results obtained during the period between February 2010 and March 2016.

Keywords:

Obesity, Public health system, Adipose tissue, Clinical Nutrition, Aetiology, Pathogenesis.