Lifestyle modification for obesity: new developments in diet, physical activity, and behavior therapy.

Expert panels sponsored by both the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health have recommended that obese adults (ie, body mass index 30 kg/m), as well as those who are overweight (body mass index of 25–29.9 kg/m) and have comorbid conditions, lose 10% of their initial weight.1,2 A comprehensive program of lifestyle modification is considered the first option for achieving this goal.2 Lifestyle modification, also referred to as behavioral weight control, includes 3 primary components: diet, exercise, and behavior therapy.3 This narrative review examines weight losses achieved with this approach, as well as new developments with each of the 3 components.