In the latest issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Daniel H. Bessesen provided an update on the obesity epidemic that is sweeping the world. In reviewing the epidemiology of obesity, he noticed that obesity is beginning to plateau, at least in adults in the United States. However, in several countries around the world and especially in children, the prevalence of obesity continues to increase, which suggests that the major illnesses associated with obesity are also likely to increase. Current therapies for the treatment of obesity are reviewed, such as diet, exercise, drug therapy, and surgical treatment, which was singled out as the best weight loss therapy to date that provides long-term benefits in terms of weight loss/maintenance. Bessesen also proposed that endocrinologists all over the world should play an important role in providing care and assistance to people with weight problems.
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