Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Obesity
Managing obesity
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Obesity
Obesity
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Metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome
Abstract
Obesity is a risk factor for several medical conditions and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in our community. Using a tailored program to meet the patient’s needs can result in achievable weight reduction, improved quality of life and risk reduction
Key Points
- Obtain a thorough medical history and include a weight history and questions about sleep apnoea.
- Rather than insist on a target weight in the ideal weight range, aim for a 5 to 10% weight reduction, which has been shown to modify risk factors for conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- All successful treatments involve some form of lifestyle intervention affecting energy intake and energy expenditure.
- Pharmacotherapy should be considered in those whose obesity is very severe or carries an established risk of comorbid disease. Pharmacotherapy must be complemented with diet, physical activity and behavioural modification.
- Surgery is an effective option for selected patients.
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