Med. praxi. 2010;7(1):19-22

Obesity - diagnostics and treatment in the general practice

MUDr.Radka Braunerová, Ph.D., doc.MUDr.Vojtěch Hainer, CSc.

Centrum pro diagnostiku a léčbu obezity, Endokrinologický ústav, Praha

Obesity has become a serious global health and socioeconomic problem. Prevalence of obesity has been rising steadily in both developed

and developing countries. Obesity increases the risk of a wide range of diseases, especially cardiovascular and metabolic, as well

as oncological diseases, and psychiatric and locomotive disorders. It is associated with increased mortality. To characterize obesity not

only body weight and Body Mass Index are determined but also waist circumference is measured as an indicator of the amount of abdominal

fat. The therapeutic approach includes low energy diet and increased physical activity, which can be supported by medication,

psychological therapy and/or surgery. Recommended medication includes sibutramine or orlistat. Surgical treatment aims to reduce

food intake or/and absorption of macronutrients.

Keywords: obesity, sibutramine, orlistat, bariatric surgery

Published: April 22, 2010  Show citation