Lifestyle Modification for Obesity

Panels sponsored by both the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health have recommended that obese adults (ie, body mass index 30 kg/m 2 ), as well as those who are overweight (body mass index of 25-29.9 kg/m 2 ) and have comorbid conditions, lose 10% of their initial weight. 1,2 A comprehensive program of lifestyle modification is considered the first option for achieving this goal. 2 Lifestyle modification, also referred to as behavioral weight control, includes 3 primary components: diet, exercise, and behavior therapy. his narrative review examines weight losses achieved with this approach, as well as new developments with each of the 3 components.