New developments in obesity

Obesity is an important health problem. Worldwide epidemiological data show that its frequency is rising steeply, probably because of a reduction in physical activity and bad eating habits. Health risks are most prominent in the central type of obesity, due to the relatively increased lipolytic activity, which leads to a series of events. The overall results of treatment are not satisfactory. Drugs, such as orlistat, fluoxetine, and ephedrine/caffeine, may be useful. The first results with leptin treatment are encouraging, but not yet optimal. Research on various neuropeptides and beta3-agonists is promising. Prevention of obesity is extremely important but difficult.