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Discusses the need for obesity to be recognized as a chronic condition for which no cure can reasonably be expected without physician assistance. Use of the smoking cessation model and adapting it to obesity; Assessing patients' risk of obesity-related conditions; Patient's receptivity to counseling.

Context: Although the prevalence of obesity has markedly increased among US adults, health risks vary according to the severity of obesity. Persons with class 3 obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥40) are at greatest risk, but there is little information about this subgroup. Objective: To examine correlates of class 3 obesity and secular trends. Design, Setting, and Participants: Adults (aged ≥18 years) in the United States who participated in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System telephone survey between 1990 (75 600 persons) and 2000 (164 250 persons). Main Outcome Measure: Body mass index calculated from self-reported weight and height. Results: The prevalence of class 3 obesity increased from 0.78% (1990) to 2.2% (2000). In 2000, class 3 obesity was highest among black women (6.0%), persons who had not completed high school (3.4%), and persons who are short. During the 11-year period, the median BMI level increased by 1.2 units and the 95th percentile increased by 3.2 units. Conclusion: The prevalence of class 3 obesity is increasing rapidly among adults. Because these extreme BMI levels are associated with the most severe health complications, the incidence of various diseases will increase substantially in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study to estimate the prevalence of overall and specific nonprescription weight loss product use by demographic characteristics, prescription diet pill use, diabetic status, and lifestyle choices in the United States. Design and setting; Participants; Main outcome measures; Results; Conclusion that with increasing rates of obesity, nonprescription product use is likely to increase.

Presents several medical-related letters to the editor as of June 20, 2001. Intensity of physical activity and the risk of coronary heart disease; Brassica vegetables and breast cancer risk; Histamine poisoning from seafood; Others.