Emerging strategies for weight management

Obesity is a chronic disease that is increasing in prevalence. It is associated with other chronic conditions because excess weight in obese individuals substantially increases the risk of type II diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension, and gallbladder disease. Yet modest weight loss (5% to 10% of body weight) improves risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Current recommendations for reduction of CHD risk and treatment of diabetes and hypertension include weight reduction, when indicated. Pharmacotherapy can significantly increase weight loss and improve weight-loss maintenance when included in a program of decreased food intake and increased activity. Numerous calls to action have been made to develop coordinated clinical and public health strategies for preventing and treating obesity. This series of articles, based on a symposium presented at the North American Association for the Study of Obesity 2000 annual meeting, summarizes current concepts concerning the origins of obesity, its comorbid conditions, and its effective treatment. Also included is a review of the costs of obesity to the healthcare system in terms of productivity losses and other expenses.