Recent Developments in the Treatment of Obesity with Particular Reference to Semistarvation Ketogenic Regimens

Three new techniques have been developed for the treatment of obesity—behavior modification, semistarvation ketogenic regimens, and surgical therapy. Behavior modification appears to be effective for weight maintenance after weight loss through balanced deficit dieting for patients at less than 130 per cent of desirable body weight and semistarvation ketogenic regimens for patients from 130 to 200 per cent of desirable body weight. When indicated, surgical therapy is more efficacious for patients who are in excess of 200 per cent desirable body weight. All three approaches should be considered experimental until a larger experience is acquired and preliminary results are confirmed.