The epidemiology of obesity

Obesity is a major global health problem. Because the causes of obesity are multifactorial and poorly understood, predicting future trends in obesity presents a substantial challenge. The simplest and least expensive intervention is lifestyle modification, including more exercise and a less sedentary lifestyle. However, once severe obesity is present, dietary and behavioral approaches are minimally effective in producing clinically significant and sustained weight loss. While bariatric surgery has been shown to be effective in treating class III obesity on a long-term basis, logistics, cost, and fear of complications prevent its use on a population-wide basis. Only through better understanding of the underlying physiologic causes will an enduring solution be found.