Physical therapy can and should be in the forefront in battling obesity, these physical therapists say.

There's the conviction.

"Physical therapists are in a unique position to prescribe exercise to treat the associated medical complications of obesity, as well as the functional limitations that may be present in individuals with overweight or obesity," says Andrea Hergenroeder, PT, PhD, OCS, a researcher and assistant professor of physical therapy at the University of Pittsburgh. "We have the knowledge and skills to assess baseline activity levels and help patients and clients make behavioral changes, such as increasing their physical activity, which will lead to healthier lifestyles."

There's the reality.