Research
Adherence
State-of-the-art obesity treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach including behavioral modification, diet, and physical activity, often supplemented by pharmacotherapy or surgery for severe cases, rather than lifestyle information alone.
Seek a comprehensive treatment program that includes behavioral support, not just a diet plan. For higher BMIs, discuss medication or surgery options with your doctor. Long-term maintenance requires ongoing support from a team (dietitians, behaviorists, exercise specialists).
ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
The state-of-the-art treatment for obesity consists of a multidisciplinary approach involving: behavior modification techniques aimed at altering dietary and physical activity patterns, identifying and targeting psychological barriers, stress reduction, and often, pharmacological treatment when available.
Why this rating
Expert consensus/proposal.
Source
Dealing With Obesity as a Chronic Disease
James O. Hill · Obesity Research · 1998
DOI 10.1002/j.1550-8528.1998.tb00686.x
narrative_reviewCited 23×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Obesity is a chronic disease requiring long-term management, and primary care physicians should utilize a tiered referral model (minimal, intermediate, or complete) based on their resources and patient risk to manage it effectively.Moderate
- A modest weight loss of 5% to 10% of initial body weight yields substantial health benefits and should be the primary treatment goal, rather than aiming for ideal body weight.Moderate
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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