Obesity as an epidemic: facing the challenge.

Obesity has reached what some scientists see as epidemic proportions. Clearly, a rethinking of the medical nutritional therapeutic approach is needed. Treatment programs must include a variety of health professionals to facilitate the lifestyle changes needed to treat this condition. There is a role in obesity management for registered dietitians, behaviorists, physicians, exercise physiologists, and geneticists. A chronic disease treatment model is being proposed. Are dietitians ready for the challenge?