Treatment of obesity in adults. Council on Scientific Affairs.

Concern with weight control should begin sufficiently early in life to reduce the risk of developing obesity. The complex etiology of obesity is, in part, responsible for the difficulty physicians encounter in treating this condition. Prevention is the "treatment" of choice. Early identification of individuals genetically at risk can be helpful in targeting those most likely to gain excess weight. Numerous dietary regimens have been devised in an attempt to achieve progressive weight loss in obese individuals. Since the ultimate goal of a weight-reduction program is to lose weight and maintain the loss, a nutritionally balanced, low-energy diet that is applicable to the patient's life-style is most appropriate. Increasing energy expenditure through physical activity, in addition to decreasing energy intake, generally improves results in the management of obesity. Major changes in eating and exercise behaviors are necessary to ensure long-term weight control. Diet, exercise, and behavior modification are interdependent and mutually supportive. A comprehensive weight-reduction program that incorporates all three components is more likely to lead to long-term weight control.