Management of Obesity in Bangladesh – Position Statement of Bangladesh Endocrine Society

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Obesity is a complex, multifactorial, chronic, relapsing disease with variable clinical phenotypes defined by abnormal or excessive adiposity which impairs physical and mental health. Although Bangladesh is experiencing a rise in the prevalence of obesity, it is still undermanaged. The metabolic phenotype of the people of our country is different from Caucasians. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a structured, customized and evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the management of obesity in Bangladesh. Methodology: The Bangladesh Endocrine Society (BES) Obesity Taskforce undertook to develop a position statement for managing obesity in Bangladesh. The task force created a committee of 19 members to write the statement based on international obesity guidelines, randomized controlled trials, national observational studies, and expert opinion. Several consultative meetings were arranged to discuss the position statement until it was ratified unanimously by the committee. Results: The position statement includes recommendations on the overall management of obesity. There are sections on the diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and prevention of obesity in adults of Bangladesh. Conclusion: This is a position statement for the people of Bangladesh who are suffering from obesity. We hope it provides knowledge to primary care physicians and endocrinologists to improve the assessment and treatment of obesity. Through this position statement, BES hopes to improve the management of obesity in Bangladesh and make it structured and uniform.