Treatment Guidelines

Overview

The presence of overweight and obesity in a patient is of medical concern because it increases the risk for several diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes mellitus and it increases all-cause mortality. Treatment of the overweight and obese patient is a two-step process: assessment and management. Assessment requires determination of the degree of obesity and absolute risk status. Management includes both weight control or reducing excess body weight and maintaining that weight loss as well as instituting other measures to control associated risk factors. The aim of this guideline is to provide useful advice on how to achieve weight reduction and maintenance of a lower body weight. It is also important to note that prevention of further weight gain can be a goal for some patients.  Obesity is a chronic disease, and both the patient and the practitioner need to understand that successful treatment requires a life-long effort.