Weight loss interventions for adult obesity: evidence for practice.

BACKGROUND: One out of three adults is obese, making obesity the most common presenting chronic medical condition in the primary care setting. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing secondary illnesses resulting in a higher rate of morbidity. This chronic condition is a constant challenge facing international health care systems. A need for a systematic approach to treatment is essential to conquering obesity and improving patients' outcomes and quality of lives. Despite the existence of evidence-based guidelines, the proportion of primary care clinicians implementing weight loss counseling is low.

APPROACH: This article identifies, critiques, and synthesizes the established body of research evidence for weight loss interventions.

FINDINGS: The strategies that have been shown to be effective in the management and treatment of obesity are outlined.

IMPLICATIONS: Finally, the feasibility of applying these findings to practice and the practical implications of these findings are discussed.