Health Impacts of Obesity: A Modern Era Pandemic

Obesity is a worldwide problem. It is usually diagnosed if the body mass index is >30, and/or a waist circumference >102 cm in men and >88 cm in women. Obesity is a chronic disease that increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and many types of cancer. It reduces the health quality of life. It is a leading cause of global disability and mortality. It is, however, both preventable and treatable. Weight loss can be achieved by changing dietary patterns and exercising. Therapeutic interventions and surgical options are increasingly being instituted. Novel interventions like fecal transplantation appear promising. Even a loss of 5% to 10% of the total body weight is metabolically healthy. Prevention of obesity and a reduction in body weight in those with a BMI>30, will greatly improve the health of the world. It will also help bring health care costs down. This narrative review aims at highlighting the diagnostic criteria and the various factors that influence and cause obesity. It also summarizes its deleterious impact on humans, both in health and in disease. A look at the various modalities available for its mitigation is also discussed. This discussion should help health care providers to better manage their obese patients.