Assessment and treatment of excess weight

Abstract

Overweight (a body mass index [BMI] between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more) [1] are wide-spread, global health problems. The author discusses techniques for the treatment of overweight and obesity based on empirical findings and evidence-based clinical guidelines that include (1) assessment and evaluation of the overweight or obese patient; (2) treatment strategies including lifestyle modification (dietary intake, physical activity, behavioral modification), pharmacotherapy, and surgical therapy; and (3) weight loss maintenance strategies.