Obesity: current developments in mechanisms, diagnosis, classification and the evolution of personalized management.

Abstract

In recent years, the global prevalence of overweight and obesity has exhibited a sustained upward trajectory. As an independent entity within the spectrum of chronic diseases, obesity serves as a significant pathogenic factor for multiple chronic conditions and ranks as the sixth leading risk factor for mortality and disability nationwide. It poses a severe threat to public health while imposing a considerable socioeconomic burden. The etiology of obesity is multifactorial; however, primary diagnostic modalities and therapeutic approaches remain relatively undiversified, and long-term weight maintenance remains challenging. Similar to other chronic diseases, obesity management demands a long-term multimodal strategy. This strategy must incorporate individualized treatment goals and balance the benefits and risks of different interventions to formulate personalized management plans. These plans aim to reduce body weight through multifaceted interventions, alleviate obesity-related comorbidities, enhance quality of life, and optimize overall health outcomes.