Promoting physical activity in the family practice setting. (Editorials).

Publication: American Family Physician

Publication Date: 15-MAR-03

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COPYRIGHT 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians

It is a daily and unfortunate scene in the family physician's office: a succession of patients for whom the best prescription is a lifestyle modification. One such modification could be an increase in physical activity. The preventive health benefits of regular physical activity are well documented. (1) Not only would physical health improve, (2) but the psychologic health of most patients also would improve because of the positive effects on stress-related anxiety and depression. (3,4)

The obesity rate for Americans is increasing. Recent large-scale studies (5) have estimated that between one fourth and one half of American adults are obese. The American Dietetic Association considers physical activity a vital component of weight management. (6) McInnis (7) and colleagues discuss the promotion of physical activity for overweight and obese patients in this issue of American Family Physician.

Despite clear benefits to many aspects of patients' health, some family physicians are reluctant to advise patients to increase their physical activity. (8) Although regular physical activity is associated with decreased incidence of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke, colon cancer, type 2 diabetes,...

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