Overview: Obesity

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease driven by complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. This paper reviews the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, including dysregulation in hypothalamic appetite control and hormonal imbalances such as leptin resistance. The global rise in obesity is associated with a spectrum of comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, and certain cancers. This review also explores contemporary and emerging management options, from lifestyle modifications to pharmacological agents such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, minimally invasive endoscopic procedures, bariatric surgery, and future innovations like microbiome modulation and gene therapy. A comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms and treatment strategies is essential for improving patient outcomes in the ongoing battle against obesity.