Abstract
<jats:p>Obesity is a complex, chronic, progressive condition with psychological, social, environmental and biological causes that need to be considered and, if modifiable, integrated into dietary and behavioural management. Given the variation in response to dietary treatments, a range of evidence‐based dietary approaches could be considered to manage obesity. Many people with obesity may benefit from treatment modalities such as pharmacotherapy and metabolic bariatric surgery. This chapter presents an assessment checklist for obesity. Quantifying dietary intake offers little practical value, and dietary assessment needs to examine eating patterns and behaviours. Assessing social and economic behavioural factors can include working patterns, caring responsibilities, socioeconomic background and cultural influences. Obesity management aims to guide and support sustainable changes to eating behaviour, improve metabolic health and quality of life and modify adiposity, where possible. The chapter also outlines a range of evidence‐based dietary approaches utilised in clinical practice for weight management.</jats:p>