Underdiagnosis of obesity in adults in US outpatient settings.

Obesity affects nearly 32%—more than 60 million—American adults. The obesity epidemic imposes an enormous cost on the nation's health and economy. Evidence-based clinical guidelines recommend that treatment for obesity incorporates a 2-step process: assessment and management.Routine screening and accurate diagnosis are among the first steps leading to proper treatment. However, research on obesity screening and diagnosis in US outpatient settings is limited.