management of obesity management of obesity management of obesity can include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery. although many studies have sought effective interventions, there is currently no evidence-based, well-defined, and efficient intervention to prevent obesity. part of a series onhuman body weight general concepts obesity (epidemiology) overweight underweight body shape weight gain weight loss gestational weight gain diet (nutrition) weight management overnutrition childhood obesity (epidemiology) medical concepts adipose tissue classification of obesity genetics of obesity metabolic syndrome (epidemiology of metabolic syndrome) metabolically healthy obesity obesity paradox set point theory measurements body adiposity index body mass index body fat percentage body shape index corpulence index lean body mass relative fat mass waist–hip ratio waist-to-height ratio related conditions diabetes (type 1) eating disorder (anorexia • bulimia • binge eating disorder) food addiction hyperthyroidism malnutrition red-s starvation (starvation response) pcos obesity-associated morbidity arteriosclerosis atherosclerosis fatty liver disease gerd gynecomastia heart disease hypertension obesity and cancer osteoarthritis prediabetes sleep apnea type 2 diabetes management of obesity anti-obesity medication bariatrics bariatric surgery dieting (list of diets) caloric deficit exercise (outline) liposuction obesity medicine weight loss camp weight loss coaching yo-yo effect social aspects comfort food fast food (criticism) fat acceptance movement fat fetishism health at every size hunger obesity and the environment obesity and sexuality sedentary lifestyle social determinants of obesity social stigma of obesity weight cutting weight class the main treatment for obesity consists of weight loss via healthy nutrition and increasing physical exercise. a 2007 review concluded that certain subgroups, such as those with type 2 diabetes and women who undergo weight loss, show long-term benefits in all-cause mortality, while long‐term outcomes for men are "not clear and need further investigation." the most effective treatment for obesity is bariatric surgery. surgery for severe obesity is associated with long-term weight loss and decreased overall mortality. one study found a weight loss of between 14% and 25% (depending on the type of procedure performed) at 10 years, and a 29% reduction in all cause mortality when compared to standard weight loss measures. another study also found reduced mortality in those who underwent bariatric surgery for severe obesity. in june 2021, the us food and drug administration (fda) approved semaglutide injection sold under the brand name wegovy for long-term weight management in adults. it is associated with a loss of 6-12% body weight along with mild gastrointestinal side effects. another medication, orlistat, is widely available and approved for long-term use. its use produces modest weight loss, with an average of 2.9 kg (6.4 lb) at 1 to 4 years, but there is little information on how these medications affect longer-term complications of obesity. its use is associated with high rates of gastrointestinal side effects. diet programs can produce short-term weight loss and, to a lesser extent, over the long-term. greater weight loss results, including amongst underserved populations, are achieved when proper nutrition is regularly combined with physical exercise and counseling. dietary and lifestyle changes are effective in limiting excessive weight gain in pregnancy and improve outcomes for both the mother and the child. dieting main article: dieting treatment selection based on bmi treatment 25-26.9 27-29.9 30-34.9 35-39.9 ≥40 lifestyle intervention(diet, physical activity,behavior) yes yes yes yes yes pharmacotherapy not appropriate with co-morbidities yes yes yes surgery not appropriate not appropriate not appropriate with co-morbidities yes diets to promote weight loss can be divided into four categories: low-fat, low-carbohydrate, low-calorie, and very low calorie. many dietary patterns are effective. a meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials found no difference between three of the main diet types (low calorie, low carbohydrate and low fat), with a 2–4 kilograms (4.4–8.8 lb) weight loss in all studies. at two years these three methods resulted in similar weight loss irrespective of the macronutrients emphasized. high protein diets do not appear to make any difference. a diet high in added sugars such as those in soft drinks increases weight. there is evidence that dieting alone can be effective for weight loss and improving health for obese individuals. however, a large study of adults found that obesity was associated with differences in brain structure, largely due to shared genetic factors, suggesting that interventions for obesity should not focus solely on energy content, but also take into account the neurobehavioral profile that obesity is genetically associated with. dieting for calorie restriction is advised for overweight individuals by the dietary guidelines for americans and united kingdom's nice. exercise