Combating Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease Through Lifestyle Behavior Modifications to Contribute to UNSDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing. A Case Report and Review

Objectives: To examine the ontogeny of obesity and the associated adverse cardiometabolic outcomes and provide insight into lifestyle interventions to reverse obesity and restore cardiometabolic health, presenting an illustrative case of a UAE resident who successfully battled obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Theoretical Framework: Obesity is a neuroendocrine disease with a complex and multifactorial etiology and pathogenesis related to genetic, biological, psychosocial, sociocultural, economic and environmental factors. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 1 in 4 adults are living with obesity, which poses significant individual, societal and economic burdens. Method: The methodology adopted consisted of a case study and a comprehensive review of the scientific literature published on obesity and cardiovascular disease. Databases such as Scopus and PubMed were consulted, using key terms including obesity and cardiovascular disease, metabolic health, nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle interventions. Results and Discussion: Obesity is a complex chronic condition that calls for breaking the cycle of stigma, guilt, shame and blame prevailing in contemporary society. Personalized lifestyle interventions tailored to an individual's goals are most effective in combating obesity and promoting Sustainable Development Goal 3: good health and wellbeing. Research Implications: In future research, we recommend adopting an interdisciplinary, systems biology-based approach to gain a more nuanced understanding of the pathophysiology and ontogeny of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Originality/Value: This case report and review contributes to the literature by presenting a conceptual model that depicts key factors that influence the onset and perpetuation of obesity and concomitant adverse cardiometabolic outcomes.