the extensive nature of the comorbidity between obesity and other chronic illnesses
This week, I successfully identified a practice problem, obesity. I also went ahead and learnt of the applicable Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) regarding the practice issue. Subsequently, I was able to appraise some evidence regarding the epidemiology of the disease. Notably, CPGs to address the condition exist. However, one of the things I learnt that challenged my belief is that the guidelines hardly address the issue of awareness. I have always held the idea that national stakeholders like American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and practitioner associations would be on the forefront of advocating for providers to educate their patients and the community on ways of reducing their exposure to the disease. Nevertheless, these efforts are not codified in the existing CPGs. It would be beneficial if such initiatives were included in the practice guidelines. Such a step is critical because it will ensure that all the guidelines on educating the public are evidence-based.
I also learnt of the extensive nature of the comorbidity between obesity and other chronic illnesses. I have always been aware of this link; however, my assumption was it only entailed a few chronic diseases like diabetes and heart diseases. Consequently, addressing the underlying issues causing obesity would lead to an improvement in the overall population health. This knowledge will help in improving my effectiveness as a practicing scholar because it will entrench teamwork ideals in me. A collaborative approach in managing obesity is necessary, given its tendency to cooccur with other illnesses. Secondly, as a practicing scholar, it has highlighted the need to view creating awareness and educating the community, not as auxiliary functions of a practitioner. Instead, they fore part of their core responsibilities.