Treating obesity in the family practice setting

The health risks of obesity include the development of comorbid conditions and increased overall mortality. Obesity increases health-related costs for both patients and the healthcare system and significantly affects workforce productivity through increased absenteeism and higher health and insurance payments for employers. Discrimination against obese individuals exists in the workplace and in various social contexts. Obesity is a chronic condition with complex, multiple causes involving physiologic, genetic, and behavioral components, all of which must be addressed for successful treatment. Traditional treatment options include diet, exercise, and behavior modification, but recently, pharmacotherapy has been incorporated as an effective and safe adjunct for long-term treatment of obesity. Additionally, bariatric surgery is an option for selected morbidly obese individuals. Weight losses of only 5% to 10% of initial body weight confer proven clinical benefits. Such modest weight losses can be achieved and maintained within a supportive environment provided in a primary care practice.