Review on the update in obesity management: epidemiology

Abstract

Obesity remains one of the largest public health issues in the developed world. Over the past 50 years, the prevalence of this disease has risen to epidemic proportions and remains on the rise. Importantly, the incidence of obesity coincides with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnoea and several cancers. This article is the first of a three-part series of reviews surveying the obesity epidemic and interventions to address it. It provides an overview of the disease’s prevalence, aetiology and comorbidities as well as the guidelines currently available to treat obesity. Obesity is a multifactorial disease with a complex aetiology. Genetic, environmental and epigenetic factors contribute to the occurrence of obesity. Examples include the thrifty gene hypothesis, epigenetics and the presence of obesogenic environments. Furthermore, an imbalance in energy intake versus expenditure encourages weight gain. Current guidelines aim to instruct primary care practitioners on the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic tools to use in patients with obesity. Obesity remains an important public health concern with many causes, influences and outcomes for patients.