Obesity: The modern age pandemic of special significance

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity is growing rapidly in all regions of the world. This is of great importance for public health because morbidity associated with obesity and its complications reduces life expectancy and imposes unsustainable economic burdens on both society and health services. Reduced physical activity and unhealthy eating habits have led to an increase in obesity among young people in many countries which poses a significant health risk. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases. Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in obese children and adolescents, and being overweight in childhood is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes and increased adult mortality. Monitoring changes in the prevalence of obesity and its future impact on chronic diseases and life expectancy is essential to understanding the challenges and potential benefits of interventions.

Keywords

• obesity
• epidemic
• prevention
• chronic non-communicable diseases