Treating obesity. Lost cause or new opportunity?
OBJECTIVE
To review therapies for treating obese patients.


METHODS
Advice in this paper is based mainly on the results of randomized controlled trials. Some data from smaller, more physiologic studies are included. When appropriate, advice is based on consensus.


RESULTS
Recent medical evidence indicates that a modest weight loss (5% to 10%) can alleviate symptoms of obesity-related comorbidity. Treatment of obesity should be comprehensive and integrated into a multi-component approach and should involve both patients and their families. The main challenge of obesity is maintaining a reduced weight.


CONCLUSIONS
A multi-component approach to treating obesity can help make treatment less frustrating and more rewarding for patients and physicians.
Plourde
G
G
Obesity Research Centre, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. dr_plourde@hotmail.com
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001835:Body Weight; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009765:Obesity / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010808:Physical Examination; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents