Where do diets, exercise, and behavior modification fit in the treatment of obesity?

Obesity is a significant public health concern that affects a growing numbe r of people in the United States and throughout the world. While substantia l advances have been made in the development of new pharmacotherapies and i n understanding the biological underpinnings (e.g., genetics and physiology ) of obesity, lifestyle modification, which involves the application of beh avior modification principles to alter eating and activity patterns, is the foundation of any comprehensive obesity management. The purpose of this ar ticle is to provide a practical overview of the benefits of dietary and act ivity change and to review behavior modification principles that have been used successfully in obesity management.