• Obesity
• Health Care Quality, Access, and Evaluation

Over the last 55 years, DTB has published several articles on evidence-based approaches to the management of obesity. In 1969, possible treatment options and the evidence (or lack of evidence) behind them were reviewed.1 Such interventions included a reducing diet (maximum 1000–1600 kcal/day), exercise, bulking agents, total fasting in hospital and intestinal bypass operations. Twenty years later, DTB advised that dietary restriction offered the best method for losing weight and that a modest energy deficit of 500–1000 kcal/day may result in weight loss of up to 1 kg/week.2 Long-term success, however, would require individuals to change their social activity and behaviour. By 1998, DTB was advocating diet, exercise and behavioural measures with the option of adding orlistat.3 The risks and benefits …