What do USPSTF guidelines say about obesity-related preventive services for adults?

• A. Weight management counseling is optional and not supported.
• B. Only pharmacologic interventions are recommended.
• C. Obesity screening and weight-management counseling are included as preventive services for adults.
• D. Obesity screening is discouraged.

Answer: (C)

USPSTF supports a two-pronged approach for obesity in adults: routinely screening all adults for obesity and offering or referring those with obesity to intensive, multicomponent weight-management counseling. This means clinicians should measure BMI during routine visits and identify patients with obesity (typically BMI ≥30). For these patients, providing structured behavioral counseling aimed at weight loss—often delivered with sufficient intensity and duration (multiple sessions over time)—is recommended as a preventive service. The emphasis is on practical, evidence-based actions in primary care to prevent obesity-related health problems, not on relying solely on medications or assuming screening isn’t important. So, this option correctly reflects that both obesity screening and weight-management counseling are included as preventive services for adults.