Obesity: A Comprehensive Review of Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, and Associated Diseases

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic disease which is defined as the excessive and undesirable deposition of body fat which  has numerous complications. According to the Global Statistics released in 2022, more than 890 million  adults and 340 million children and adolescents were affected by obesity. This paper aims to discuss the  pathophysiology of obesity, the epidemiology of obesity and the diseases that are associated with it. This  paper has endeavored to demonstrate that obesity is a complex condition that cannot be explained by a single  cause. Genetic, environmental, behavioral, metabolic and molecular factors as well as adipose tissue dysfunction and  low-grade inflammation result in the development of obesity. In global perspective the prevalence of obesity differs from one region  to another with key differences based on demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. Obesity is socially and economically  costly, both in terms of human suffering and in terms of the costs to the healthcare system; it also  reduces the quality of life of those affected by it. It also gives an overview of the diseases that  are associated with obesity including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal and hepatic  disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, certain cancers and psychological conditions. To combat this issue, effective prevention  and management measures have to be implemented. The best practice to prevent obesity includes change in life style such  as diet, exercise and behavior modification; pharmacological and surgical treatment are also used in the management of  obesity and weight loss as well as for better health outcome. There is therefore need to encourage individuals to  adopt healthy behaviors through policy initiatives and community interventions to foster healthy environments.