Clinical Practice Guideline - Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults

Recommendation Summary:

Regence supports the recommendations of:

• The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the content of the latest version of the evidence report entitled Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults.
• The Veterans Administration /Department of Defense (VA/ DoD) and the content of the latest version of the Clinical Practice Guideline entitled Management of Obesity and Overweight (OBE)

Web Site Link:

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/

VA/DoD
http://www.healthquality.va.gov/Obesity_Clinical_Practice_Guideline.asp

Position Statement:

The NHLBI and VA/DoD guidelines are supported by Regence because they are based on scientific evidence, and where evidence is lacking, on panel consensus judgment.  The guidelines reflect the current standard of care. 

• The panel members are recognized experts practicing in a variety of specialty areas.
• Recommendations are based on a well-defined, comprehensive scientific literature search.
• Methods used to select appropriate scientific literature are well defined.
• The methods used to critically appraise the evidence supporting guideline recommendations are transparent. 
• The guidelines clearly state the strength of the evidence for which recommendations are based. 
• Sources of funding:
  • NHLBI, with cooperation of National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK) of the National Institutes of Health; and the United States Government (VA/DoD).
  • Conflict of interest statements/financial disclosures are not stated for panel members in either the evidence report or clinical practice guideline.

Guideline Adoption and Recommended Use: 

This guideline has been adopted based on nationally recognized sources.  This guideline is based on the most recent medical evidence available at the time of the report or on a consensus of panel experts. Regence adopts guidelines to help practitioners and members make decisions about appropriate health care for specific conditions. Guidelines are not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Benefit Determination:

Benefit determinations should be based in all cases on the applicable contract coverage. To the extent that there are any conflicts between these guidelines and the contract language, the contract language takes precedence.

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