Exercise guidelines for adults: past, present & future.

The importance of regular physical exercise in promoting health has been well established by several large, primarily observational studies over the past 25 years. Despite current government and specialty organization recommendations, many adult Americans are not engaged in any physical activity. This article will review current guidelines for exercise, some of the research supporting the recommendations, and what role low-intensity physical activity may have in the future.

The treatment of obesity.

Obesity is a chronic problem requiring lifelong treatment. Obesity assessment involves measurement of the body mass index, waist circumference, and the identification of other risk factors. Management should include diet and exercise. Selected patients can be offered pharmacotherapy, of which only sibutramine and orlistat are FDA-approved for long-term use. Bariatric surgery is the only option that provides sustained and significant weight loss and should be offered to the severely obese patients.