Obesity: Overview of Weight Management

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic illness that requires a multifaceted personalized treatment approach.

Methods & findings: Using current guidelines and recent studies in weight management, this article reviews the multiple components of weight management: lifestyle intervention (dietary intervention, physical activity, and behavioral interventions), pharmacotherapy, endoscopic procedures, and surgical procedures. This review briefly discusses specific diets and dietary strategies, compensatory mechanisms acting against weight loss, recent changes to Food and Drug Administration approved antiobesity medications, and technological advances in weight management delivery.

Conclusion: Current literature is lacking large studies on the safety and efficacy of combination therapies involving pharmacotherapy plus 1 or more procedures.

Keywords: obesity; weight loss; weight management.