Abstract
Lifestyle intervention is an alluring concept. Changing behaviors to reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure will reduce body weight and body fat. Large randomized clinical trials in academic settings demonstrate lifestyle intervention can produce weight loss and significant health benefits. However, they also demonstrate the problems-not all participants are able to lose even 5%, and weight regain is common. Studies conducted in real-world settings achieve modest weight loss, but no reimbursement model supports it. Health care providers need to understand the benefits and limitations of lifestyle intervention delivery in the medical office setting.