Medical weight management

Abstract

There are multiple interventions designed for the treatment of obesity, including various surgical procedures. Still, the fundamental approach to obesity, no matter what other interventional therapy is provided, includes diet, exercise, and behavior management. Additionally, pharmacologic interventions have a long history of moderate success and should be part of the multidimensional approach to the treatment of the obese patient. The goals of medical weight management should be (1) to reduce central abdominal fat stores; (2) to prevent, eliminate, or improve obesity-related complications; (3) to improve quality of life; and (4) to reduce mortality in the obese and overweight populations with comorbidities.