Thank you for sharing this new information.1 The 5A model for the management of obesity recently launched by the Canadian Obesity Network (CON) is an excellent resource that could be added to “Box 5: Resources for physicians and patients” of our article.
As mentioned by Dr. Sharma, there are minor differences to the “classic” 5As described in our article and those of CON. In the 5A model we presented, we mentioned that Ask/Assess can be used interchangeably. Because we aimed to discuss counselling on dietary and physical activity interventions, we decided not to include Ask.
However, not to ignore the importance of Ask, a case report2 referenced in Box 3 describes the application of the components of motivational interviewing, including agenda setting, which involves “asking” permission to discuss the issue of interest, and explores readiness for change and strategies to modify barriers to weight management.
Another minor difference with CON’s 5A model is about assessing for obesity-related risks and “root causes” of weight gain. Under Assess, we specified to conduct clinical and laboratory investigations for comorbidities and to treat comorbidities and other health risks, if present. Also, in the introduction section, we mentioned multiple reasons for obesity, but we decided to limit our discussion to the principal cause being a positive energy balance secondary to an excess intake of calories and/or with low energy expenditure. More information about other “root causes” of obesity and how they should be approached is available.3