The logic of "Toward a New Paradigm for the Management of Obesity"

The logic of "Toward a New Paradigm for the Management of Obesity"

The main purpose of this article is to take a look at the determinants of obesity, evaluate the efforts and results of current weight management programs, offer suggestions for change from the traditional weight control approach, and discuss the implications for health education.

The key question that the author is addressing is what are the ways other than the reduction of calories that have proven to be effective in weight control that would be beneficial to people whom are overweight, obese, or have problems with weight management that wont expose them to psychological and physiological dangers.

The most important information in this article is that an estimated 20-25 percent of Americans are at least 20 percent over their ideal weight. The health implications of obesity are significant in that the excess body weight is positively associated with several major health problems including five of the 10 leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.

English: Medication used for obesity. Orlistat and...

obesity

Obesity Infographic from LA-Bariatrics

The conclusions in this article are that 1) caloric restriction may lead to an adaptive metabolic response that reduces a person's daily energy needs, and to hormone and enzyme changes that lead to an enhanced rate of fat storage following caloric reduction. 2) There is no sound evidence to support a casual relationship between excess caloric intake and the development of obesity, yet virtually all outpatient treatment for obesity are based on strategies to reduce caloric intake. 3) It is time for a new paradigm in weight management that focuses primarily on reducing the percentage of calories in the diet from fat, and on increasing the level of physical activity.

The key concepts we need to understand in this article are 1) the determinants of obesity need to be evaluated...