Obesity: Understanding and Achieving a Healthy Weight
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2022
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic, relapsing, stigmatized disease process that is increasing in prevalence, affecting both adults and children. It is the result of a small positive energy imbalance from too much food or too little activity. These underlying causes are influenced by many environmental factors. The food we eat is more than “calories,” and focusing on calories alone may not be as productive as focusing on patterns of eating and the role of sugar and fat in the diet. Obesity increases the risk of many diseases and shortens life span, and weight loss provides benefits in reducing health risks and improving the quality of life. Management of obesity must redress the energy imbalance using one of several strategies, including diet, lifestyle modification, exercise, medications, and, potentially, bariatric surgery. Five drugs are approved by the FDA for long-term treatment of obesity, and they can effectively improve health-related risks. Bariatric surgery has become a major treatment strategy and can reduce long-term health risks from obesity.
Recommended Citation
Bray, G., & Champagne, C. (2022). Obesity: Understanding and Achieving a Healthy Weight. Retrieved from https://repository.lsu.edu/pop_public_health_pubs/139