A Broader, Global Approach to Obesity Treatment and Prevention

The Obesity Society says a recent Lancet series reinforces need for evidence-based policies to improve the food environment as part of a broader approach to obesity treatment and prevention

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The Obesity Society

Feb 20, 2015, 01:13 ET

SILVER SPRING, Md., Feb. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A recent Lancet series explores various international efforts to address obesity, and calls for public health and policy approaches to improve the food environment as it relates to obesity treatment and prevention.

The Obesity Society supports ongoing dialogue and collaborative discussions with the food industry, other industry stakeholders and public health officials, and calls for developing evidence-based initiatives to improve public health. Recent initiatives by food and beverage companies in the US to reduce calories in food products are encouraging, however more can be done. Although pharmacotherapy and surgery are emerging as promising treatment approaches, improving nutrition and physical activity environments presently remain the cornerstone of obesity management.

"While we recognize the significance of improved nutrition as one part of the effort, it is important to acknowledge that the exclusive focus on lifestyle modification has not translated into reductions in the global obesity epidemic," says Nikhil Dhurandhar, PhD, President of The Obesity Society. "We must ensure that appropriate attention is paid to the many factors that influence weight and health."

Hence, a goal of The Obesity Society is to promote research to understand the wide range of genetic, physiological, neurological and psychological contributors and maintaining factors involved in obesity to develop prevention and treatment strategies that are widely effective.

For additional information on obesity as a disease, view these announcements:

This press release can be published in full or in part with attribution to The Obesity Society.

About The Obesity Society
The Obesity Society (TOS) is the leading professional society dedicated to better understanding, preventing and treating obesity. Through research, education and advocacy, TOS is committed to improving the lives of those affected by the disease. For more information visit: www.Obesity.org. Connect with us on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

SOURCE The Obesity Society