Are there effective treatments for the severely obese?

Obesity is a major contributor to the costs of several chronic diseases and disabilities. Over 30% of adults in Louisiana are moderately to severely obese (defined as a body mass index > 28). As weight increases so do sick days and bedridden days. The estimated direct economic costs of not treating obesity effectively are over $40 billion nationwide, or 5.5% of all medical costs. Even though weight loss reduces the medication needs of obese individuals with hypertension, diabetes, and osteoarthritis, physicians have been reluctant to treat obese people because many treatments fail and are not considered cost effective. We present the available treatment options including their advantages and disadvantages. These treatments help between 25% and 85% of those referred to special centers specializing in obesity treatments. All physicians can help their obese patients by being aware of the costs, risks, and benefits of modern medically-supervised weight management programs.