Correspondence (reply): In Reply

We thank the correspondents for their contributions in response to our systematic review of therapeutic approaches in abdominal obesity. Confusing terminology does not change the sobering result of our review—namely, that a blatant lack of effective measures and research exists in this area. In all this, the notable exception is obviously in particular bariatric surgery, which we excluded from our literature search as it is an invasive method that requires a separate review—and, of course, appreciation. This perspective is also represented in the review by Peirson et al. of treatments for general overweight and obesity, since surgical interventions concern an extent of obesity and comorbid states that is seen less often in primary care (1).

We hope that our review (2) contributed to putting abdominal obesity as a high-risk form of obesity into greater focus for doctors’ attention and to clarify that it is not merely a problem of esthetics. The comment about high intensity interval training (HIIT) was most welcome, as this is a method that would probably find wide acceptance by those affected because of the way in which it is conceived. In conclusion we wish to emphasize that a fundamental lifestyle change in each phase of the pathogenesis and development of abdominal obesity and its comorbidities is to be recommended—whether that be in prevention, therapy, or rehabilitation.