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Council on Scientific Affairs

JAMA. 1988;260(17):2547-2551.

Abstract
Concern with weight control should begin sufficiently early in life to reduce the risk of developing obesity. The complex etiology of obesity is, in part, responsible for the difficulty physicians encounter in treating this condition. Prevention is the "treatment" of choice. Early identification of individuals genetically at risk can be helpful in targeting those most likely to gain excess weight. Numerous dietary regimens have been devised in an attempt to achieve progressive weight loss in obese individuals. Since the ultimate goal of a weight-reduction program is to lose weight and maintain the loss, a nutritionally balanced, low-energy diet that is applicable to the patient's life-style is most appropriate. Increasing energy expenditure through physical activity, in addition to decreasing energy intake, generally improves results in the management of obesity. Major changes in eating and exercise behaviors are necessary to ensure long-term weight control. Diet, exercise, and behavior modification are interdependent and mutually supportive. A comprehensive weight-reduction program that incorporates all three components is more likely to lead to long-term weight control.

(JAMA 1988;260:2547-2551)

Author Affiliations
From the Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association, Chicago.

Footnotes
This report was presented to the House of Delegates of the American Medical Association at the December 1987 Interim Meeting as an informational report of the Council on Scientific Affairs.

This report is not intended to be construed or to serve as a standard of medical care. Standards of medical care are determined on the basis of all of the facts and circumstances involved in an individual case and are subject to change as scientific knowledge and technology advance and patterns of practice evolve. These reports reflect the views of scientific literature as of December 1987.

Reprint requests to the Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association, 535 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610 (William R. Hendee, PhD).

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