Obesity as a medical and social problem

The article is a brief review of the relevant scientific literature published in the PubMed database in 2004–2024 on the epidemiology, etiology, treatment and prevention of obesity. The description of the key risk factors for the development of obesity is given, among them genetic factors, family history, psychological causes, and anesthetic marketing. The data on modern approaches to the treatment of obesity, including adherence to a low-calorie diet, adequate physical activity, taking medications that reduce appetite, enhance the feeling of satiety and reduce fat metabolism, are presented. It is noted that it is necessary to implement measures that lie outside the competence of medical organizations, such as ensuring the availability of healthy food and limiting the availability of fast food, changing the formulation of high-calorie products, labeling products and educating the population.