Publications

Research outputs, reports, policy briefs and knowledge products from KIU scholars and partners.

2025 School of Pharmacy IDOSR JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES

Narrative Review of Lifestyle Interventions in Obesity

Ernest Nsubuga

Obesity remains one of the most pressing global public health challenges, requiring multifaceted strategies for effective prevention and long-term management. This narrative review examines key lifestyle interventions, including structured weight management programs, personalized nutrition and activity plans, relapse prevention, and the integration of digital health technologies. Evidence indicates that behavioral treatment combining diet, physical activity, and cognitive-behavioral therapy achieves clinically meaningful weight reduction of 7 to 10% over 16 to 26 weeks, particularly when delivered with high intensity and professional support. Personalized interventions supported by machine learning and eHealth tools enhance adherence by tailoring dietary and activity goals to individual needs. Long-term success depends on relapse-prevention strategies emphasizing selfmonitoring, coping mechanisms, and cognitive restructuring. Implementation in primary care and community settings can strengthen population-level outcomes, while integration with pharmacotherapy and bariatric care offers comprehensive management for individuals with severe obesity. Challenges persist in ensuring equity, accessibility, cultural adaptation, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in resource-constrained contexts. Digital innovations and collective lifestyle environments show promise for sustaining behavioral change, but sustained political and institutional commitment is required. Overall, the review underscores that lifestyle interventions are the cornerstone of obesity management, and their long-term success hinges on individualized, culturally sensitive, and technologically integrated approaches supported by public health systems.