Obesity: Global Epidemiology, Trends, Risk Factors, and Clinical Aspects

Objectives: To review the current literature on obesity risk factors, epidemiology, and trends, providing insights for effective prevention and intervention strategies. Design: Review article. Setting(s): Global. Outcome Measures: A systematic search was performed using MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to January 2024. Studies on obesity’s history, epidemiology, risk factors, health impacts, and preventive or therapeutic approaches were included. Both primary and secondary studies were considered, excluding those in languages other than English, in vitro studies, and animal studies. No restrictions were applied regarding publication date or article type. Results: The overweight- and obesity-attributable burden of diseases has significantly increased, particularly among adults aged 60 and older, with the most severe effects observed in women aged≥75, highlighting a growing public health challenge and a markedly greater rate of increase in older adults compared to those under 60. The causes of obesity were found to be multifaceted, predominantly influenced by behavioral and environmental factors, with an imbalance between calorie intake and expenditure being the primary issue. The adverse health consequences of obesity have been well documented, with associations noted in various non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusions: Understanding obesity-comorbidity links is vital to identifying high-risk individuals and prioritizing interventions. Limited access to effective weight management treatments remains a key barrier to improving health outcomes for those affected by obesity.