J Am Diet Assoc
-
The United States is facing 2 major lifestyle-related epidemics that are intricately linked: an epidemic of obesity and an epidemic of inactivity. Multiple interactions exist between lack of physical activity and obesity. Increased physical activity lowers the risk of obesity, may favorably influence distribution of body weight, and confers a variety of health-related benefits even in the absence of weight loss. ⋯ Walking is the most convenient and logical way most obese persons can increase their physical activity. Physical activity plays multiple roles in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Dietitians and other health care workers who treat obese patients should understand the role physical activity plays in comprehensive obesity treatment as well as how to incorporate a physical activity prescription in treatment plans for obese clients.
-
The medical model of obesity treatment--combining diet, exercise, and behavior modification with antiobesity agents--suffered a setback when fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine were withdrawn from the market because of an association between these medications and valvular regurgitation. The Food and Drug Administration has recently approved sibutramine (Meridia), a norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitor that was originally developed as an antidepressant, but which has also been shown to reduce weight. In a 1-year placebo-controlled trial, 65% of patients receiving 15 mg sibutramine daily lost more than 5% of their body weight, compared with 29% of patients receiving a placebo; 39% of patients in the sibutramine group lost more than 10% of their body weight, compared with 8% of patients in the placebo group. ⋯ Other promising compounds include those that block the Neuropeptide Y5 and Y1 (NY5, NY1) and Melanocortin-4 (MC4) receptors, stimulate uncoupling proteins, and unbind corticotrophin-releasing factor from its binding protein. As better medical treatments for obesity become available, the focus in dietary prescription may shift away from reducing energy intake toward healthier eating for disease prevention. At present, a comprehensive approach, which, in some patients, may include medical therapy as an adjunct, is necessary to treat obesity effectively.
-
Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension are comorbities associated with obesity. Treatment and prevention strategies for these comorbidities of obesity are often assumed to be the same-weight loss. Although many persons may lose weight initially, recidivism is a major concern. ⋯ Dyslipidemia can be improved by reducing or changing the fat content of the diet. Blood pressure levels can be reduced by a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat. Research is underway to determine if weight loss can prevent chronic disease; however, once comorbidities are present, lifestyle strategies should be directed toward the improvement of metabolic parameters associated with the comorbidity.