Management of obesity and overweight (evidence briefing)

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased rapidly over the past two decades in the developed world and has trebled in the UK since the 1980s. This evidence briefing identifies the effectiveness of diet, physical activity and behavioural interventions in the management of obesity and overweight. The evidence is derived primarily from systematic reviews published since 1996 and intends to inform policy and decision makers, NHS providers, public health physicians and public health practitioners. The briefing also identifies gaps in the evidence and makes recommendations for research.