Lifestyle‑related advice in the management of obesity: A step‑wise approach

نویسندگان

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3 Departments of Medicine

4 Departments of Medicine

5 Departments of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, AIIMS, New Delhi, India

doi
چکیده

Obesity is a commonly encountered health‑care problem that is an independent risk factor for chronicmetabolic complications. Primary care physicians are the first point of contact in the managementof obesity. Weight management is a step‑wise intensification of interventions that initiates withlifestyle modification. Dietary and physical activity advices are integral components of all weightloss consultations and should ideally be imparted by a dietician or a nutritionist. In case of theirnonavailability, the onus for lifestyle counseling rests with the physician. The prescription for alow‑calorie diet coupled with increased physical activity might seem simple, but the success lies incompliance and sustainability of this advice. Compliance can be enhanced through patient‑specificdiet and activity plans along with corrections in eating and activity behavior. Barriers in patient’senvironment must also be addressed to achieve sustainable weight loss. This review covers practicalinsights in standard lifestyle management techniques, which can help the physicians to set betterweight loss goals, adapt to patient specific lifestyle counseling, and apply strategies to enhancecompliance for sustained weight loss.