Review on obesity management: diet, exercise and pharmacotherapy

Currently, obesity is one of the largest risk factors for cardiometabolic disease in North American adults. Over the past few years, the prevalence of this disease has been steadily increasing. This article is the second article in a three-part series of reviews exploring current clinical guidelines and management strategies used in practice to mitigate the spread of obesity. Guidelines to help physicians manage patients with obesity have been released in Canada and Europe. They outline proper management and treatment for overweight and obese patients. Examples include changes in diet and exercise, behavioural therapy and the administration of antiobesity medications as first-line and second-line treatments. Management of obesity takes on a tiered approach, where first-line therapies include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise and second-line therapies include the use of antiobesity medications.