Fast Five Quiz: Confronting Obesity

Romesh Khardori, MD, PhD; Elif A. Oral, MD

Disclosures

December 05, 2023

According to the latest guidelines from the European Association for the Study of Obesity, the first treatment goal for patients who present with obesity is to stabilize body weight. However, the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity & Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) and World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) urge physicians to consider that "all aspects of nonsurgical management must be tailored to each individual patient, as no one diet, behavior, exercise program, or medication will be accepted by or effective in all patients, and none has been documented as first-line or superior to all others."

A weight loss of 5%-10% has been shown to improve health and quality of life. A recent review reported that a weight loss of 5%-10% significantly reduces cardiometabolic risk as well. Other data have indicated that 3%-5% weight loss can result in significant improvements in obesity-related comorbidities. Percentage targets vary and depend on the goals of the individual.

There are many aspects to consider regarding obesity management; it usually requires a multifaceted approach that can include dietary, behavioral, lifestyle, and pharmacologic interventions. HCPs are encouraged by the IFSO and WGO to adopt a multidisciplinary team approach when managing patients with obesity.

Management should focus on weight, fat mass, and waist circumference, rather than just weight. The aim is to improve and monitor multiple elements, such as weight outcomes, waist circumference, glycemic control, established lipid targets, and blood pressure targets.

Learn more about the treatment of obesity.

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