• Obesity is a chronic condition requiring a
long-term management plan.
• Goals should be individualized and include weight
loss, blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipids.
• Suggested initial goal: 5-10% weight loss in 6 mo.
• Lifestyle & behavioural modifications, such as
diet & exercise, are the cornerstone of therapy. A
multidisciplinary approach is ideal.
• Assess patients for their risk of obesity-related
health risks, weight history, previous weight loss
attempts, and current medications that may cause
weight gain (e.g. antipsychotics, antidepressants,
diabetic medications, anticonvulsants & steroids).
• Whenever possible, consider choosing drugs with
lower potential to cause weight gain. (See bottom
notes on Weight Loss Agents Comparison Chart.)
