The Clinician’s Guide to the Treatment of Obesity
Item
Title
The Clinician’s Guide to the
Treatment of Obesity
Treatment of Obesity
Description
Recent epidemiologic studies have noted a plateauing of obesity rates in the USA
following decades of steady escalation. Currently, 34.9% of the US adult popula-
tion is considered obese, as defined by a body mass index of 30 or greater, which
has been stable in the years 2011–2012 as compared to 2003–2004 [1]. However,
these statistics belie that severe cases of obesity have escalated at a more dramatic
rate than general obesity. Between the years 1986 and 2000, the prevalence of BMI
40 or greater quadrupled to one in 50 Americans and the prevalence of BMI of 50
or greater increased fivefold [2]. Currently, 6.4% of the US adults are classified as
extremely obese (BMI 40 or greater), [1] having important implications for prog-
nosis and treatment.
following decades of steady escalation. Currently, 34.9% of the US adult popula-
tion is considered obese, as defined by a body mass index of 30 or greater, which
has been stable in the years 2011–2012 as compared to 2003–2004 [1]. However,
these statistics belie that severe cases of obesity have escalated at a more dramatic
rate than general obesity. Between the years 1986 and 2000, the prevalence of BMI
40 or greater quadrupled to one in 50 Americans and the prevalence of BMI of 50
or greater increased fivefold [2]. Currently, 6.4% of the US adults are classified as
extremely obese (BMI 40 or greater), [1] having important implications for prog-
nosis and treatment.