ARS | Publication request: Lifestyle management of obesity

Submitted to: Sage Press
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: January 1, 2012
Publication Date: January 1, 2012
Citation: Foreyt, J.P., Johnston, C.A., Tyler, C. 2012. Lifestyle management of obesity. In: Rippe, J., editor. Encyclopedia of Lifestyle Medicine & Health. Volume 2. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications. p. 795-801.

Technical Abstract: Obesity is one of the most significant health concerns in the United States and other countries worldwide. In the United States, 68% of adults and 34% of children are overweight or obese. Prevalence rates continue to rise along with corresponding increases in health consequences. Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, and a number of cancers are associated with obesity, and the costs associated with treating these conditions are becoming increasingly problematic. With so many life-threatening illnesses associated with obesity, there also is an increased mortality for people with obesity, and in recent years, obesity has represented one of the most common causes of preventable deaths. In addition, the widespread emotional and health problems that often result from obesity significantly affect overall quality of life. For the obese, weight loss represents a significant goal for improving physical and psychosocial health. The general expectation for weight loss, unfortunately, exceeds what is typically seen in clinical or research settings. Another issue that complicates weight management is that many people seek a quick solution, while most effective treatments require a gradual, long-term approach. Effective methods typically focus on promoting sensible diet, moderate physical activity, and behavioral counseling. In isolation, these modalities typically do not lead to significant weight loss, but when combined in multicomponent interventions, they have proved successful for weight loss.