What Are the Goals and Methods of Treatment for Obesity?
Obesity is a disease that requires treatment, although in most people the effect of treatment is limited. However, if untreated, it tends to progress. A common misconception is that the goal of treatment is to reduce weight to a “normal” level. Actually, the goal of realistic medical treatment for obesity is only to reduce weight by a reasonable amount that will improve health and quality of life. People with extreme obesity, even with treatment, will generally continue to have obesity. Despite short-term progress, most treatments for obesity do not have a high success rate. Recommended treatment for obesity depends upon the level of obesity. At levels I and II (BMI 30.0-39.9), treatment usually consists of behavior modification (diet and exercise) with the option of medication, usually either in the form of a fat-blocking drug or an appetite suppressant. Some people do not respond to medication, while others experience negative side effects. (In making our decision, we will also consi
