Obesity [body mass index (BMI) >=30 kg/m2] is common in many parts of the world, especially in the established market … overweight (BMI 25 to 30 kg/m2). The prevalence of obesity seems to be increasing in most parts of the world, even in areas where … obesity used to be rare. A waist circumference greater than 102cm in men and 88cm in women may be a more sensible …

The prevalence of obesity among the populations of most developed countries has increased to such an extent that the … healthcare and social security/disability system will accumulate direct and indirect costs related to obesity that will be more … appropriate medical insurance reimbursement for the treatment of obesity. Societal prejudices, inability of governmental agencies …

management of obesity. Clinical outcomes assessed include weight changes over time and the effects of weight loss on blood … evaluation was based on a Medline search of published data between January 1990 and January 1998. Obesity affects 65 million … adults in the US. Estimates based on 1990 data suggest that obesity and comorbid illness contributed to $US46 billion in …

Obesity has a significant impact on both morbidity and mortality, as well as an individual's capacity to live a full … and active life. Traditionally, outcome measures in obesity treatments have emphasised physiological variables such as … life (HRQOL) are used to address the patient's point of view on whether obesity treatment has adequately enhanced …

Although modest, sustained weight loss can decrease the risks of morbidity and mortality associated with obesity …, medical approaches to the treatment of obesity can be very expensive and time-consuming. Adjunctive use of appetite … effective in obesity management. Self-help, work-site programmes, proprietary and lifestyle programmes may be of benefit. For …