ABSTRACT
Obesity is rapidly becoming a major medical problem in the world as a risk factor for mortality and morbidity from diabetes; hypertension; dyslipidemia; atherosclerosis; obstructive sleep apnea; cholelithiasis; osteoarthritis; cancer; and other ailments (Kopelman 2000). The obesity epidemic has been attributed mainly to overconsumption of energy-dense food containing high fat, as well as sedentary lifestyle (Kopelman 2000; Spiegelman and Flier 2001). Until recently, the failure to lose weight from dieting and exercise was blamed on diminished will power. However, it is increasingly evident that obesity is a bona fide disease characterized by distinct pathogenesis, natural history, and clinical features (Kopelman 2000; Bray 2000). Psychosocial factors play an important role in feeding behavior and obesity, and life-style modification is an essential component of weight management. However, it is doubtful that the epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and other complications can be stemmed using these strategies alone. An
increasing number of patients will need drugs, surgery, or other interventions to decrease and maintain body weight at medically safe levels.
