Obesity--an overview

Obesity or being overweight, often resulting from overfeeding, has become a problem of public health magnitude not only in the developed countries but also in the developing countries. The literature has been extensively reviewed to give an overview of the health problems associated with this disorder. Some of these health hazards include hypertension, stroke, coronary (ischaemic) heart disease, diabetes mellitus, premature death, increased risk of cancer and at surgery. The causes, the types, the mode of assessment of the degree of obesity and the various methods of managing obesity with particular emphasis on dieting, exercise and the possible use of drugs (anorexiants) as well as surgery, as adjuncts, have been considered.