No research demonstrates that these people have any better track record at maintaining weight loss than anybody else. We must shift the focus from weight loss to health improvement. Many doctors have found this approach much more successful than the traditional focus on weight alone. But patients must shift their focus as well. People have to stop begging doctors for weight-loss miracles.
Many doctors prescribe diet pills simply because of relentless patient demand.
There is simply no substitute for positive self-care and education about one's own health. But better health to be sure. Everyone deserves respectful treatment by doctors and by society. It is my hope that this thoughtful editorial and whatever debate it invites will help doctors and those who seek their help to stop seeing weight as the most critical factor in their health, and to focus instead on healthful living regardless of size. Working toward this goal is a New Year's resolution that is long overdue.