title: From problem to success: feline weight loss programs that work.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Obesity is the most common unhealthy nutritional condition that is recognized in cats. Documented associated health risks include diabetes mellitus, lameness, non-allergic skin disease, feline lower urinary tract disease and idiopathic hepatic lipidosis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Simply recommending a diet designed for weight loss fails, in most cases, to result in successful weight loss in the obese or overweight cat. A more in-depth approach that centers on communication and commitment, alongside a program of feeding a predetermined amount of a specific diet plus exercise and enrichment of the cat's life, offers a chance for a healthy result.
  
  
  METHODS
  It has been reported in some developed countries that as much as 40-50% of the feline population may be overweight or obese, with middle-aged cats, male cats, mixed-breed cats and neutered cats being at greatest risk.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This review of what is currently known about the health risks, predisposing factors and treatment of excessive weight gain in cats is aimed at all veterinary health professionals.
  
  
  METHODS
  The information reported in the review is drawn from the current scientific literature as well as from the clinical experience of the authors.
authors.affiliation: University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, USA. michel@vet.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Michel
authors.forename: Margie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scherk
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002415:Cats; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000662:veterinary; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000379:methods; D015431:Weight Loss