Obesity: Concerns and Challenges

A medical condition in which fat accumulates in the human body to such a degree that it starts to exert a negative influence on overall health and functioning is called as obesity. It is characterized by a BMI (body mass index) of over 30 kg/m2. It can lead to various diseases and illnesses and also to death. Increase in the average energy consumed, through high carbohydrate consumption and fat consumption and our sedentary lifestyles with mechanized transportation and labor saving technology have increased the incidence of obesity worldwide. More than 41 genes have been linked to the development of obesity so far. Certain mental and physical illnesses and the pharmaceutical drugs used for their treatment also increase the risk of obesity. Illnesses, which are genetic syndromes such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome, Prader-WIlli syndrome, MOMO syndrome and Cohen syndrome, as well as congenital and acquired conditions like growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome and eating disorders, are associated with obesity. Medications such as insulin, thiazolidinediones, sulfonylureas, steroids, antidepressants, etc. may also lead to changes in body composition or weight gain. The objective of this book is to give a general view of the different clinical aspects of obesity including major concerns and challenges. It is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most significant concepts and emerging trends in the study of obesity. It is a vital tool for all researching and studying this field.