Obesity: A Global Health Concern

Obesity can be defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat that poses significant health risks, either independently or in association with other medical conditions. The primary health consequences of obesity can be better understood by examining the pathophysiological mechanisms behind increased adiposity. In obese individuals, the presence of excessive intra-abdominal (visceral) fat is a key indicator of poor metabolic health. These associated health risks may vary across different populations due to genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.In developed countries, the conservative estimate of the economic burden of obesity ranges between 2% and 7% of total healthcare expenditures. This reflects a substantial strain on national healthcare budgets, highlighting obesity as not only a medical concern but also a critical socioeconomic issue. Keywords: Obesity, Health, Risk-factors, Diabetes, Stroke.