SGO Obesity Toolkit can empower patients | Lauren S. Prescott, MD
In 1997, the World Health Organization formally recognized obesity as a global epidemic. Seventeen years later, we are still facing alarming increases in obesity. As a resident in obstetrics and gynecology and now a fellow in gynecologic oncology, I have struggled to adequately address obesity and weight management with many of my patients.
Enabling patients to make meaningful changes to their lifestyle is an issue that most providers face on a daily basis. For these reasons I was thrilled when the SGO chose to address obesity as part a multi-year prevention campaign.
The annual meeting in Tampa, Florida marked the launch of the Communications Committee’s first initiative, the Obesity Toolkit. The toolkit is a fabulous reference for patients, gynecologic oncologists, primary care providers and affiliates. It consists of a comprehensive patient handout, a communication guide for the gynecologic oncologist to facilitate discussion about weight management and an overview of obesity-related issues with a focus on cancer directed at primary care providers. The SGO obesity webpage also includes links to clinical trials of exercise, diet and nutrition for cancer patients as well as a BMI calculator.
Thanks to the SGO, we have easily accessible tools to help empower our patients to take action to prevent cancer or use their cancer diagnosis as a gateway to a healthier lifestyle. As a provider I can now give my patients a handout about losing weight and direct them to the SGO website to find out more information about clinical trials and weight loss management. This is a huge step forward in improving cancer and survivorship care for our patients.