Current estimates suggest that globally 30-50% pets are overweight or obese.Hyperadiposity is not simply a cosmetic issue;it is both a health and a welfare issue.Health risks associated with hyperadiposity are well documented.Results of a recent study confirm that overweight dogs suffer as a result of this disease,and successful management relieves suffering.Relief of suffering may be a more motivating goal for owners than decreasing the risk future disease in their pet.Even when owners agree to pursue weight loss for their pet, results can be frustrating.It is estimated that the majority of veterinary recommended weight loss programs fail.A contributing factor to this high failure rate is inaccurate initial assessment of the presence and severity of the disease.Basing feeding recommendations on an inaccurate estimate of ideal body weight will result in overfeeding, which leads to unsuccessful weight loss programs and frustrated owners.