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Behavior therapy for obesity: where are we now?
David B Sarwer1, Amy von Sydow Green, Marion L Vetter
1Department of Psychiatry, Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA. dsarwer@mail.med.upenn.edu
Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity
|July 23, 2009
Summary
Comprehensive lifestyle modification programs lead to about 10% weight loss in 16-26 weeks. Web-based interventions show less short-term success but may aid long-term weight control.
Area of Science:
- Obesity research
- Lifestyle modification interventions
- Weight management strategies
Background:
- Obesity is a complex health issue requiring effective management strategies.
- Lifestyle modification is a cornerstone of obesity treatment.
- Evaluating the efficacy of various interventions is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the short-term and long-term outcomes of lifestyle modification for obesity.
- To assess the effectiveness of different diet and physical activity interventions.
- To examine the role of new technologies in delivering lifestyle modification programs.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
- Comparison of various diet and physical activity interventions.
- Inclusion of studies on technology-assisted lifestyle modification, including web-based delivery.
Main Results:
- In-person comprehensive lifestyle modification programs result in approximately 10% weight loss within 16-26 weeks.
- Portion-controlled diets and meal replacements yield greater short-term weight loss.
- Internet-delivered interventions achieve about 5% weight loss but may support long-term adherence.
- Combination of lifestyle modification with pharmacotherapy shows promise for enhanced weight loss and maintenance.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive lifestyle modification is effective for short-term weight loss.
- Web-based programs offer potential for sustained patient-provider contact and long-term weight management.
- Integrating pharmacotherapy with lifestyle changes may optimize weight loss and maintenance outcomes.
- Physical activity is a key component for successful long-term weight control.
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