The treatment of obesity.

Obesity is a chronic problem requiring lifelong treatment. Obesity assessment involves measurement of the body mass index, waist circumference, and the identification of other risk factors. Management should include diet and exercise. Selected patients can be offered pharmacotherapy, of which only sibutramine and orlistat are FDA-approved for long-term use. Bariatric surgery is the only option that provides sustained and significant weight loss and should be offered to the severely obese patients.