Obesity

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease defined by excessive body fat accumulation that poses significant health risks, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher serving as the standard diagnostic threshold in adults. It is a global public health concern, affecting approximately one-third of the world’s population, with high prevalence rates observed in both adults and children across regions such as the UK and the United States, where over 23 states report adult obesity rates at or above 35%. The condition arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, behavioral, and metabolic factors, including poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and underlying hormonal imbalances. Obesity significantly increases the risk of numerous comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers (e.g., breast, colon, and kidney), osteoarthritis, and other musculoskeletal disorders. While no specific medication targets obesity directly, related conditions are often managed with drugs such as proton pump inhibitors, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, and SSRI antidepressants, with appetite suppressants and central nervous system stimulants also prescribed in some cases. Rare genetic syndromes like Obesity and Hypopigmentation (OBHP) further illustrate the multifactorial nature of obesity, characterized by early-onset severe obesity, hyperinsulinemia, overgrowth, and skin hypopigmentation. Overall, obesity is not merely a cosmetic issue but a serious medical condition requiring comprehensive, long-term management strategies.

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