Treatment

Dieting and physical exercise are the mainstays of treatment for obesity. Diet quality can be improved by reducing the consumption of energy-dense foods such as those high in fat and sugars, and by increasing the intake of dietary fibre. Anti-obesity drugs may be taken to reduce appetite or inhibit fat absorption together with a suitable diet.

Research reveals that conventional methods of weight loss generally fail to produce permanent weight loss. Several studies have shown that patients on diets, exercise programs, or medication are able to lose approximately 10% of their body weight but tend to regain two-thirds of it within one year, and almost all of it within five years. Another study found that less than 5% of patients in weight loss programs were able to maintain their reduced weight after five years.

If diet, exercise and medication are not effective there are surgical interventions for those with a BMI over 40 or a BMI over 35 with comorbidities.