Integration of the 5A’s Framework in Research on Obesity and Weight Counseling: Systematic Review of Literature

The 5A’s Framework (Assess, Advise, Assist, Agree, and Arrange) has been recommended as a practice guide for obesity counseling. Its integration in research, however, is not well known. This systematic review was to find how the 5A’s Framework was integrated in research on obesity and weight counseling. Methods: A systematic search of four databases was conducted combining two concepts: “5 A’s Framework” and “obesity, body size, dieting/eating, exercise, weight loss.” Inclusion criteria were quantitative studies with the 5A’s Framework as a singular intervention or combined with others to influence patients’ healthy eating, physical activity, and weight outcomes or care providers’ counseling behaviors. Twenty-two studies were included in the final analysis. Results: Most studies were conducted in the primary care setting. The 5A’s Framework was (1) integrated in training interventions as formal medical curricular and on-the-job education workshops to influence obesity/weight counseling skills, (2) utilized to develop assessment tools to evaluate counseling behaviors, and (3) combined with behavior change strategies to impact the patient’s weight management behaviors and outcomes. Conclusion: The integration of the 5A’s Framework in obesity and weight counseling research is wide-ranging. The findings have implications for clinicians to use the framework to better obesity/weight counseling.