Tackling obesity in a 15-minute office visit. Physicians can start patients on an effective weight-loss program, despite time constraints.

Primary care physicians can provide their patients with a variety of practical strategies to combat obesity regardless of the time constraints experienced in today's busy clinical practice setting. Keys to success include creating an individualized approach based on each patient's specific health risks and habits, using various resources (e.g., support groups, registered dietitians), and encouraging and empowering patients to become active participants in their weight-loss program.