[Diet and physical activity in the treatment of obesity]

There is strong evidence from studies that hypocaloric, low-fat diets and physical activity can induce weight loss in obese patients. Nutrition therapy and increased physical activity improve obesity-associated risk factors and can prevent or delay comorbidities. Combined interventions of nutrition, physical activity and behavior therapy provide the most successful therapy for weight loss and weight maintenance. While exercise activity alone reduces weight only slightly, the combination of both, diet- and exercise-therapy, leads to significant weight reduction. Moreover, exercise activity reduces the diet-induced loss of fat-free mass and favors weight reduction through an increased metabolic rate. Nutrition therapy, physical activity and behavior therapy are basic components of a comprehensive weight loss therapy and weight control program in obesity.