Therapy of obesity. Review of selected guidelines

Treatment of obesity is one of the challenges of the 21st century. It is a risk factor for the development of other diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease or cancer. Diagnosis of obesity should be based on body mass measurements, taking into account height and sex. It is also recommended to measure waist and hip circumference. The primary method of treating obesity is lifestyle change, which includes increased physical activity and reduction in calorie intake. Unfortunately, changing habits is difficult, and for many patients, it is unattainable. Due to the increasing prevalence of obesity in society, the review of guidelines is addressed to general practitioners and all physicians who encounter obese patients in their practice. Each of the guidelines analysed by the authors emphasizes the prevention, early recognition, and treatment of obesity. Behavioural and dietary changes are the basis of obesity management. Guidelines also emphasise the role of proper communication between the doctor and patient, as well as the need for management of obesity in a team composed of a physician, dietitian, and often physiotherapist. Another pillar of obesity therapy is the pharmacotherapy, which was introduced in recent years and is a supportive treatment. In the article the authors reviewed guidelines regarding pharmacological treatment of obesity. The authors focus on summarising indications for pharmacotherapy, descriptions of individual drugs, their doses, as well as therapy goals and pointing out differences between individual recommendations.