Being overweight, even by just 10 to 15 pounds, can lead to health problems. And obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. That's why the American Heart Association encourages people to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Effective weight loss programs should include...

• informed consent (participant or patient information)
• a description of key program components
• appropriate health risk screening
• guidelines for who needs to be evaluated by a physician
• individualized nutrition, physical activity and behavioral components
• qualified staff, with appropriate training, experience and certification
• counseling by qualified health professionals
• disclosure of risks associated with the program or product
• identification of reasonable weight-loss goals and evaluation of the long-term effectiveness and safety of the program
• a maintenance program that lasts for at least two years

In an obesity guidebook published by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the North American Association for the Study of Obesity, diet, exercise and behavioral therapy are identified as the keys to effective weight management.

In 2005, the American Heart Association released a scientific statement, Clinical Implications of Obesity with Specific Focus on Cardiovascular Disease, which offers practical weight management guidelines for cardiovascular healthcare professionals.

Related AHA publications:

• Losing Weight the Healthy Way (also in Spanish)
• Easy Food Tips for Heart-Healthy Eating (also in Spanish)
• "How Can I Manage My Weight?" in Answers By Heart kit (also in Spanish kit)
• "Why Should I Lose Weight?" in Answers By Heart kit

Related AHA Scientific Statements
Diet/Nutrition
Weight Management