title: Weight loss strategies that really work.
abstract: Calculate body mass index and diagnose obesity to increase the likelihood that obese patients will take steps to lose weight. Prescribe a low-calorie diet for at least 6 months to help patients achieve a weight loss of at least 5% to 10%. Prescribe physical activity for weight loss and weight maintenance. Review the benefits and risks of bariatric surgery with patients who are severely obese, and provide a referral, when appropriate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA. kolasaka@ecu.edu
authors.forename: Kathryn M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Kolasa
authors.forename: David N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Collier
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cable
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome