Managing obesity with lifestyle modification, outcomes, and recommendations

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic illness affecting people from all regions and socioeconomic classes. Body Mass Index (BMI) is the measure used to define overweight and obese individuals. A BMI between 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight and more than 30 is considered obese. The prevalence of obesity has increased drastically in the last few decades making it an important health problem worldwide. Objectives: The objective of this research paper is to identify various recent scholarly sources that focus on the importance of lifestyle modifications in the prevention of obesity and associated illnesses. Methods: The articles were searched using databases such as PubMed, NCBI, UpToDate, BMJ, and other sources. The keywords used were obesity, overweight, lifestyle modifications, dietary modifications, exercise, modifiable factors, and other related words. Articles published after 2000, those with a high number of citations, larger sample size, experimental evidence, and done in larger institutes were selected. Results: The studies provided evidence that lifestyle modifications as the most important factor in the reduction of overweight and obesity. Dietary modifications such as low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean diet, etc., done regularly or intermittently helped in weight loss. Exercise and physical activity were identified as the second-best interventions for weight management. Additionally, behavior and cognitive therapy is another intervention. The research paper also identifies outcomes of lifestyle modifications and the challenges and barriers faced by individuals. Conclusion: Obesity can be successfully reduced by modification of dietary habits, improving patient-physician relationships, educating the masses about management strategies, and most importantly, inculcating more physical activity in daily life.