title: [Clinical approach to weight control].
abstract: In defining the therapeutic strategy the clinical evaluation of obesity relies on ideal body weight tables and the calculation of the body weight index (kg/m2). The distribution of fat tissue must also be considered, since the increased risk of cardiovascular disease appears to be associated with the android type of obesity. A number of factors influence the development of obesity, including heredity, energy balance and appetite, which is under physiologic and psychological control. A balanced hypocaloric diet remains the basic approach to weight control as it alone provides nutritional education. Under medical supervision, unbalanced diets, such as the protein-sparing modified fast, have been shown to be very effective. The surgical treatment of morbid obesity is controversial, although good results are claimed for gastroplasty. Whatever the approach, appropriate supportive measures must be included in order to modify behavior towards food and maintain weight loss.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*
vernacular_title: Approche clinique au contrôle du poids.