Morbidity and Treatment of Clinically Important Obesity: An Internal Medicine Perspective

Authors

J. David Fachnie

Abstract

Obesity is defined as an excess storage of energy in the form of fat. The internist generates a differential diagnosis of etiologic factors and examines the patient carefully. Obese persons are counseled on all medical risks of obesity. Choices for treatment vary according lo the severity of the obesity, and alternative dietary treatments include a balanced-deficit diet or a very low calorie diet. Weight loss can be predicted by applying specified equations. With severe obesity, multidisciplinary treatment is needed. Anorexic agents have limited value because of their side effects and because of weight increase after discontinuing therapy. Obesity is not curable: poor patient compliance limits the long-term efficacy of treatment.

Recommended Citation

Fachnie, J. David (1988) "Morbidity and Treatment of Clinically Important Obesity: An Internal Medicine Perspective," Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal : Vol. 36 : No. 2 , 108-112.
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/hfhmedjournal/vol36/iss2/8