title: Factors common to successful therapy for the obese patient.
abstract: The majority of patients treated for obesity regain lost weight after treatment. We speculate on what might be done to improve long-term success rates by examining the factors associated with success or relapse. An emphasis on exercise and prescribing more gradual changes in diet and exercise appears to be associated with better outcomes. There may be a need to conceptualize obesity as a food dependency disorder not amenable to self-control strategies. External social control through peer support groups may be indicated to help patients through temptations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Foreyt
authors.forename: G K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Goodrick
mesh_terms: D005081:Exercise Therapy; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D012944:Social Support; D015431:Weight Loss