Thomas Clark, MD

In this article, we review the factors that contribute to obesity. We then describe effective approaches to weight control, including exercise, dietary modification, drug treatment, and bariatric surgery.

The growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes makes it imperative to identify persons at risk, screen for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and treat to prevent progression. Calculation of body mass index (BMI) is an appropriate starting point for identification of patients with possible IGT.