Today we are talking about a growing global health problem. From 1975 to 2016, the prevalence of this health issue increased more than four-fold, from 4% to 18% globally, especially in children and adolescents aged from 5 to 19 years old.
Obesity is a serious public health issue that has reached epidemic proportions in Western culture. Obesity is a substantial risk factor for numerous illnesses and is connected with significant morbidity and death, according to mounting evidence.
Obesity is a multifaceted chronic illness impacted by the interplay of numerous variables, including genetic, endocrine, metabolic, environmental (social and cultural), behavioral, and psychological components. The primary process includes an increase in energy intake that surpasses an increase in energy production.
The body mass index(BMI) is the most frequently used indicator of obesity. This figure is obtained at by dividing a patient's mass (kg) by his or her height squared (m2). A normal BMI is defined as being between 18.5-24.9 kg/m2. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m2. Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or above; this categorization is further split into class I, II, or III obesity.
After dieting, exercise, psychotherapy, and medication therapies have failed, surgery for obesity should be considered as a last option.