Evidence-based position paper on Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) professional practice for people with obesity and related comorbidities. The European PRM position (UEMS PRM Section)

INTRODUCTION: The WHO world health statistics report in 2015 shows that in Europe the overall obesity rate among adults is 21.5% in males and 24.5% in females. Obesity has important consequences for morbidity, disability and quality of life. The aim of the paper was to improve physical and rehabilitation medicine physicians' professional practice for the rehabilitation of patients with obesity and related comorbidities. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review of the literature and a Consensus procedure by means of a Delphi method process has been performed involving the delegates of all European countries represented in the UEMS PRM Section. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The systematic literature review is reported together with the 13 recommendations from the Delphi procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The professional role of PRM physicians in obesity is to propose a complete PRM treatment for the patients considering the comorbidities, impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions, providing medical care and leadership to the multidisciplinary team, coordinating the individual PRM project developed in team in agreement with the patient and his family/care givers.