Jm. Rippe et al., OBESITY AS A CHRONIC DISEASE - MODERN MEDICAL AND LIFE-STYLE MANAGEMENT, Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 98(10), 1998, pp. 9-15
The United States is in the midst of an epidemic of obesity involving
more than one third of the adult population. The prevalence of obesity
increased by 40% between 1980 and 1990. Obesity is a chronic disease
with a multifactorial etiology including genetics, environment, metabo
lism, lifestyle, and behavioral components. A chronic disease treatmen
t model involving both lifestyle interventions and, when appropriate,
additional medical therapies delivered by an interdisciplinary team in
cluding physicians, dietitians, exercise specialists, and behavior the
rapists offers the best chance for effective obesity treatment. Lifest
yle factors such as proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and c
hanges in eating behaviors should be coordinated by this team. This re
view addresses the modern epidemic of obesity, the strong association
between obesity and comorbidities such as coronary heart disease, type
2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Ln addition to obesity, t
he health risks of abdominal obesity and adult weight gain are discuss
ed. The evidence that supports health benefits from modest weight loss
(between 5% and 10% of body weight) is evaluated and the 5 key princi
ples of effective obesity therapy are put forward. Obesity is a therap
eutic challenge best met by teams of health care professionals, includ
ing dietitians and physicians, working together to deliver optimal tre
atment.