Phenotypes of Obesity: How it Impacts Management

The worldwide prevalence of obesity is increasing. Obesity is strongly associated with many chronic health conditions that have been shown to improve with weight loss. However, counseling patients on weight loss can be challenging. Identifying specific aspects of weight management may personalize the conversation about weight loss and better address the individual patient's health goals and perceived barriers to change.

Physical and behavioral phenotypes are being identified to better tailor treatment recommendations, given lack of efficacy of currently available interventions. The current review provides a summary of the evidence behind the management of several recognized clinical phenotypes, to include body fat distribution (e.g., central obesity), muscle mass (e.g., sarcopenic obesity of the elderly), and problematic eating behaviors (e.g., cravings). Identifying specific aspects of weight management may personalize the conversation about weight loss and better address the individual patient's health goals and perceived barriers to change.