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Not enough is being done to prevent obesity, experts say

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Despite the fact that most experts agree that counseling an obese patient about his or her diet can make a serious difference in that person's eating habits, a recently released survey says that few doctors take this step.

The survey from the Department of Health and Human Services found that just 46 percent of doctors advise their obese patients to cut back on fatty food. Poor and less educated individuals were also less likely to receive such counseling.

The report notes that any obese person would benefit from counseling about diet and exercise, which is why obesity researcher Gopal Singh told the Associated Press that there isn't enough being done to prevent the condition.

Singh told the news source that "there is potential to further reduce obesity," but that opportunities are being missed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the country has become "obesogenic," which means it encourages the increased intake of non-healthy foods.