Obesity: assessment and treatment across the care continuum

Obesity is a chronic condition of dysregulated energy balance that is caused by a confluence of nutritional, neurological, hormonal and metabolic factors. Clinically, obesity is associated with myriad consequences to overall health. Treatment should be based on a shared decision-making process between the patient and their professional team that considers the stage of the disease, wellness goals and desired lifestyle and can include a combination of behavioural and lifestyle interventions, pharmacological therapies and surgery. The chronic nature of obesity necessitates adjustments in treatment plans to match the evolving needs and goals of the patient over time, establishing a 'care continuum.'

We conducted a broad, narrative literature search using PubMed for articles published on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of adults with obesity.

In this narrative literature review, we outline evidence-based best practices for the diagnosis and assessment of obesity along with the various available treatment modalities. We also present considerations for treating patients with obesity with a focus on the selection of obesity medications based on severity, concurrent conditions, mechanisms of action and treatment goals. Finally, we discuss lifestyle management, the shift from weight loss to weight maintenance, and the implications of these changes in the care continuum.

Continued, individualized treatment of patients with obesity from diagnosis to weight maintenance is imperative for sustained weight reductions, and strategies should be tailored to the changing needs of patients over time.