Current treatment of obesity: a behavioral medicine perspective.
Obesity is a complex biopsychosocial phenomenon. It has a profound effect on patients' physical and psychological health. Due to the complexity of the problem and the recidivism following treatment, it is recommended that obese patients receive in-depth interdisciplinary evaluation to match them appropriately to comprehensive treatment. Participation in an interdisciplinary comprehensive active weight loss treatment program followed by participation in a professionally led biweekly behavioral maintenance program that included social influence and aerobic exercise has generated maintenance of 83% of initial weight loss at an 18-month follow up. This comprehensive multi-disciplinary treatment approach, best offered in a behavioral medicine center setting, represents state-of-the-art treatment at this time and can result in long-term medical and psychological benefits for the obese patient.
Pera
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Center for Behavioral Medicine, Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island.
Clark
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Abrams
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D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001524:Behavioral Medicine; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D002149:Energy Intake; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015431:Weight Loss