Obesity, Lifestyle Management of

Obesity is one of the most significant health concerns in the United States and other countries worldwide. In the United States, 68% of adults and 34% of children are overweight or obese. Prevalence rates continue to rise along with corresponding increases in health consequences. Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, and a number of cancers are associated with obesity, and the costs associated with treating these conditions are becoming increasingly problematic.

With so many life-threatening illnesses associated with obesity, there also is an increased mortality for people with obesity, and in recent years, obesity has represented one of the most common causes of preventable deaths. In addition, the widespread emotional and health problems that often result from obesity significantly affect overall quality of life. For ...