Behavioral techniques for treating the obese patient.

With more than 50% of American adults overweight or obese, primary care physicians should play an active role in helping overweight patients lose weight. Modest weight losses of as little as 7% to 10% can produce significant health benefits, such as preventing the development of diabetes. To help individuals achieve this weight loss, behavior change strategies should be emphasized with all overweight patients. Changes in diet and exercise can produce long-term weight loss with tremendous positive impact. Primary care physicians are well positioned to support these behavior changes in their overweight patients.