Behavioral Counseling to Promote a Healthful Diet and Physical Activity for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Adults With Cardiovascular Risk Factors: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

DESCRIPTION: Update and refinement of the 2003 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on dietary counseling for adults with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on whether primary care-relevant counseling interventions for a healthful diet and physical activity modify self-reported behaviors, intermediate physiologic outcomes, diabetes incidence, and cardiovascular morbidity or mortality in adults with CVD risk factors, as well as the adverse effects of counseling interventions. POPULATION: This recommendation applies to adults aged 18 years or older in primary care settings who are overweight or obese and have known CVD risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, impaired fasting glucose, or the metabolic syndrome). RECOMMENDATION: The USPSTF recommends offering or referring adults who are overweight or obese and have additional CVD risk factors to intensive behavioral counseling interventions to promote a healthful diet and physical activity for CVD prevention. (B recommendation).