Detection, Prevention and Treatment of Obesity (1999)

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RECOMMENDATIONS

• Prevention: There is insufficient evidence to recommend in favour of or against community-based obesity prevention programs; however, because of considerable health risks associated with obesity and the limited long-term effectiveness of weight-reduction methods, the prevention of obesity should be a high priority for health care providers. (grade C recommendation)
• Treatment: For obese adults without obesity-related diseases, there is insufficient evidence supporting the longterm effectiveness of weight reduction methods. (grade C recommendation)
• Treatment: For obese adults with obesity-related disease (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypertension), weight reduction is recommended because it can alleviate symptoms and reduce drug therapy requirements, at least in the short term. (grade B recommendation)
• Detection: For people without obesity-related diseases, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the inclusion or exclusion of BMI measurement as part of a periodic health examination, and therefore BMI measurement is left to the discretion of individual with health care providers. (grade C recommendation)
• Detection: For people with obesity-related diseases, BMI measurement is recommended because weight reduction should be considered with a BMI of more than 27. (grade B recommendation)