Promoting physical activity in overweight and obese patients: counseling in primary care from Italy (Cesena, 2002–2003)

Abstract

Sedentary habits and obesity are important problems in public health. The main objective of this study has been to increase motivation level and physical activity practice in overweight and obese patients, through a counseling intervention made from primary care physicians (MMG). The counseling model has been taken from the program PACE (Patient-centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise and Nutrition). In the period May-April 2002–2003, 145 patients, with a BMI≥27, underwent a physical activity counseling administered by 10 primary care physicians (MMG). The main measures of outcome were the change of physical activity level and the state of change score and their related improvements; secondary measures: BMI and abdominal circumference. The median follow-up was 7 months. 103 of 145 (71%) agreed to the project; afterwards their motivation level and physical activity increased. BMI and abdominal circumference were reduced. There were no differences between subjects about studied features (sex, age, instruction, work, health). The counseling, following PACE’s model, positively influenced the increase of physical activity and motivational level correlated in the patients who participated in the study project. It is necessary to do further studies to evaluate the real efficacy and to understand how this problem influences public health.