Obesity is defined as an accumulation of excessive amounts of adipose tissue in the body; the disease predisposes to a variety of diseases including diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, and cardiorespiratory diseases.  In most animals, obesity is the result of a simple imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure.

Obesity can be a challenging disease to manage, requiring complex, bespoke individual plans.  In primary care practice, such plans are best managed by establishing bespoke obesity care service within the practice, with key staff members taking primary responsibility, in partnership with other staff as needed.  This lecture will cover the reasons for setting up such a clinical service, along with requirements for staff and equipment and suggestions for addressing common pitfalls.