Goals: Minimize health risks through weight reduction Prevent further weight gain Encourage exercise and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle Maintain a reduced or healthy weight Improve comorbid disease. Evidence shows that even small amounts of weight loss improve comorbid disease, slow progression, and in some cases, a disappearance of symptoms. Evidence further suggests that improvement in these comorbid conditions will persist if moderate weight loss is maintained.   Success Requires: Readiness Possible very low calorie diet (less than 800 calories per day) Increased physical activity (at least 30 minutes of walking per day)