December 5, 2015 | Volkan Yumuk, Constantine Tsigos, Martin Fried, Karin Schindler, Luca Busetto, Dragan Micic, Hermann Toplak for the Obesity Management Task Force of the European Association for the Study of Obesity
The European Guidelines for Obesity Management in Adults provide a comprehensive framework for the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of obesity. Obesity is defined as a chronic metabolic disease characterized by excessive body fat, which is associated with increased health risks such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. The guidelines emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, involving primary care, nutrition, physical activity, and psychological support. Key aspects include:
1. **Clinical Evaluation**: A thorough history, physical examination, and laboratory assessments are essential to understand the patient's obesity and related comorbidities.
2. **Treatment Goals**: Realistic weight loss goals should focus on reducing health risks, maintaining weight loss, and preventing weight regain.
3. **Nutrition and Dieting**: Balanced hypocaloric diets are recommended, emphasizing increased consumption of vegetables, legumes, and low-fat dairy products, while avoiding added sugars and solid fats.
4. **Physical Activity**: Aerobic exercise is recommended for reducing fat mass, while resistance training is important for increasing lean mass.
5. **Cognitive Behavioural Therapy**: This therapy helps patients modify their thoughts and behaviors related to weight regulation.
6. **Pharmacological Treatment**: Medications such as orlistat, lorcaserin, phentermine-topiramate, bupropion-naltrexone, and liraglutide can be considered under specific conditions.
7. **Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery**: This is recommended for severe obesity, with a focus on long-term weight loss, improved comorbidities, and quality of life.
8. **Follow-Up and Supervision**: Continuous monitoring and support are crucial to prevent weight regain and manage co-morbidities.
The guidelines aim to provide a structured and evidence-based approach to obesity management, emphasizing the need for lifelong commitment and multidisciplinary collaboration.The European Guidelines for Obesity Management in Adults provide a comprehensive framework for the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of obesity. Obesity is defined as a chronic metabolic disease characterized by excessive body fat, which is associated with increased health risks such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. The guidelines emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, involving primary care, nutrition, physical activity, and psychological support. Key aspects include:
1. **Clinical Evaluation**: A thorough history, physical examination, and laboratory assessments are essential to understand the patient's obesity and related comorbidities.
2. **Treatment Goals**: Realistic weight loss goals should focus on reducing health risks, maintaining weight loss, and preventing weight regain.
3. **Nutrition and Dieting**: Balanced hypocaloric diets are recommended, emphasizing increased consumption of vegetables, legumes, and low-fat dairy products, while avoiding added sugars and solid fats.
4. **Physical Activity**: Aerobic exercise is recommended for reducing fat mass, while resistance training is important for increasing lean mass.
5. **Cognitive Behavioural Therapy**: This therapy helps patients modify their thoughts and behaviors related to weight regulation.
6. **Pharmacological Treatment**: Medications such as orlistat, lorcaserin, phentermine-topiramate, bupropion-naltrexone, and liraglutide can be considered under specific conditions.
7. **Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery**: This is recommended for severe obesity, with a focus on long-term weight loss, improved comorbidities, and quality of life.
8. **Follow-Up and Supervision**: Continuous monitoring and support are crucial to prevent weight regain and manage co-morbidities.
The guidelines aim to provide a structured and evidence-based approach to obesity management, emphasizing the need for lifelong commitment and multidisciplinary collaboration.