Principles of obesity therapy

Abstract

Obesity is highly prevalent in developed countries and increasing worldwide. This trend has dire consequences for public health because obesity increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, cancer, and other diseases. Obesity is also a major cause of disability and may shorten lifespan. This chapter will outline strategies for successful weight reduction, including behavior modification, diet, physical activity, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.