Nursing Clinics of North America – Obesity Management in Women

Obesity is a disease much like any other chronic disease with multiple causes. Therefore, all contributing factors should be addressed to assist in effective weight loss. Women are twice as likely to be affected, starting at puberty. Weight reduction is challenging, in part, because of metabolic adaptations and hormonal changes that favor weight regain and these changes persist for months, if not years. Creating an energy deficit is the core of effective treatment of obesity. Physical activity is especially important to maintain weight reduction. Medications have an important role in reducing food consumption, unless contraindicated.