Obesity is a chronic relapsing condition associated with significant morbidity and
premature mortality. The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically over the
last 20 years and continues to do so, primarily as a result of changes in dietary
intake and exercise patterns. There are considerable challenges associated with the
management of the obesity epidemic involving both public health policies and
individual treatment. Management of the obese individual involves lifelong lifestyle
change for all, drugs for some, and surgery for a few. Appropriate selection of
patients and the setting of realistic goals are crucial to the success of any
weight-reducing programme. The aim of obesity management is to reduce associated
morbidity and mortality, not necessarily to restore normal body weight. While the
current trends in obesity are depressing, a better understanding of the
pathophysiology and treatment of the condition should allow the clinician to be more
optimistic for the future.
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