CHALLENGES IN OBESITY MANAGEMENT

Context. Obesity is increasing at an alarming rate. During the past de cade, the overall prevalence of obesity in the United States increased over 30%, with more than one third of the adult population meeting th e definition of being overweight. Objective, We review current and eme rging therapies, present outcome data from a lar ge clinical practice, and discuss challenges for physicians and researchers involved in obe sity treatment. Summary. Because obesity is a risk factor for numerous medical disorders and excess mortality, it is imperative that effecti ve treatments be developed. While the current conservative therapies p roduce short-term weight losses, they are ineffective in the long term . Some obesity treatments are controversial, most notably the increasi ng use of anorexiant medications. For example, the Food and Drug Admin istration (FDA) recently requested the withdrawal of two widely used m edications because of concerns about side effects. Currently, therapie s that combine psychosocial interventions, drugs, and extended mainten ance appear to have the most promising long-term benefits. Conclusions . Long-term treatment, including extended pharmacotherapy, may be nece ssary for many obese patients. Broader definitions of treatment outcom e and success, including improvements in comet-bid conditions, physica l activity, and quality of life are needed.