Updated review on the benefits of weight loss.

Obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. Modest weight loss has been shown to have a beneficial effect on these cardiovascular risk factors and to improve risk factor clustering. Recent lifestyle intervention studies also suggest that modest weight loss can help to prevent two of the most common conditions associated with obesity: hypertension and type 2 diabetes. The practical problem is how to translate results from these studies into daily practice. In the studies, only a limited number of individuals maintained substantial weight loss over the follow up period. New approaches are needed to achieve and maintain weight loss.