Even modest weight loss is associated with health benefits. Progression of obesity in high-risk children may be prevented by family therapy. Prevention of obesity in adults may be achieved by community-based education programmes linked with financial incentives. Interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour can reduce overweight in children. Behavioural, diet, exercise and drug treatments have all been shown to be effective, to some extent, in treating obesity in adults, particularly when two or more approaches are used in combination.
Most people begin to regain weight a few months after treatment.
Longer term follow-up and use of maintenance interventions is necessary to sustain weight loss. Surgery is the most effective and possibly cost-effective approach for reducing weight in people with severe obesity. CRD Report 10. 1997 Gastroplasty for severe obesity. March 1997 Clinical guidelines on the identification, evaluation and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults.