WEIGHT CONTROL IN WOMEN - A CHALLENGE TO THE OBSTETRICIAN-GYNECOLOGIST

Obesity is a major problem in American women, and ther is great concer n with regard to weight control among both the obese and the nonobese. Vast sums of money are spent in the area of weight reduction, often w ith little or no benefit. Although obesity affects longevity adversely , weight loss has not been clearly associated with a decrease in morta lity risk. Reduction in weight, however, can decrease risk factors for certain diseases and improve the quality of life. Current methods of weight control include diet, exercise, surgery, and medications. Sever al studied have shown that, in contrast to previous supposition, medic al management should be long term. Recent investigations into the basi c mechanisms of appetite control, moreover, suggest that more physiolo gic management methods will be available in the near future.