Application and Presentation of the Edmonton Obesity Staging System in a Lifestyle Medicine Clinic: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: The rising global prevalence of obesity necessitates innovative management strategies. The Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) offers a more clinically useful approach to assess the attributed obesity risks. AIMS: to evaluate the application of EOSS in a primary care-based Lifestyle Medicine Clinic, describe patient characteristics, and analyze factors associated with higher EOSS stages. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 960 patients aged fourteen and above who visited the Lifestyle Medicine Clinic at a primary care in 2023. Patients with type 2 diabetes, pregnancy, or age over 65 years were excluded. Data were extracted from electronic medical records. Descriptive statistics and analytical statistics were performed, focusing on demographics, vital signs, lifestyle assessments, obesity-related comorbidities, and management interventions, including EOSS staging. RESULTS: The study population was predominantly female (70.6%), with a mean age of 39.17 years. At the presentation to the Lifestyle Medicine Clinic, the prevalence of physical activity was 13.8% and adherence to a low-calorie diet was 15.7%. The most common comorbidities were prediabetes (70.6%) and dyslipidemia (61.8%). EOSS classification placed 23.6% of patients in stage 0, 58.8% in stage 1, and 17.6% in stage 2, with none in stages 3 or 4. Males and adults aged 40 years and above had significantly higher EOSS stages, p < 0.001 for each. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and HbA1c were significantly higher in patients with higher EOSS stage. The engagement rates in nutrition and health education clinics were 90.6% and 59.2% respectively, with 36.8% required pharmacological intervention for weight loss. CONCLUSION: Incorporating EOSS into primary care shows a feasible risk stratification in managing obesity. Further researches are needed to determine the long-term applicability of EOSS and its effect on obesity management in primary care settings.