Management of Grade III Obesity in Primary Health Care (PHC) and the importance of changing lifestyle habits to guarantee quality of life: case report

Abstract

Obesity is a disease characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat that produces harmful effects on health. The etiology of this disease is multifactorial. The objective of this case report is to highlight difficulties in the therapeutic management of obesity, address the flow of care for obese individuals in the Unified Health System, and emphasize the importance of adherence to treatment. Patient D.H.S.F., 53 years old, male, previous medical history: grade 3 obesity (BMI: 50.7 kg/m²), systemic arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, bilateral primary gonarthrosis, and varicose veins in the lower limbs. The patient made changes in his lifestyle for 8 months and was consulted for evaluation and monitoring prior to bariatric surgery. The results of the patient's dedication were significant. Among the main obstacles in patient management, low resolution, difficulty in adherence to therapeutic processes, and seeking health services motivated by complications are cited. The results of adherence to treatment were: a 15 kg reduction in body weight, improvement in knee joint pain, greater willingness to perform basic tasks, improvement in sleep quality and also in interpersonal relationships. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of the obesity problem, it is up to health managers and professionals to establish intra and intersectoral coordination, at the municipal, regional and state levels, to implement the Care Line for People with Overweight and Obesity as a way of providing assistance to users at the various points of care in the Health Care Network, as well as empowering people about their health conditions.