The prevalence of obesity has markedly increased worldwide. We confront it
daily: in our social interactions, in our work, everywhere we turn. It is an issue that has
significant effects on our health as reinforced by the ruling of the American Medical
Association in June of 2013 to classify obesity as a disease. Although it is essential to
address this condition, it is extremely intimidating and difficult to manage due to its
multifactorial causation, potential for comorbidities, associated stigma, and the need for
lifestyle change- never easy to recommend or to do. This chapter will provide an
overview: the What, Who, Why, and How of obesity etiology and management. Our
goal is to provide the reader with a basic understanding and tools to enable him/her to
participate in addressing this critical public health issue.
Keywords: Activity, behavior, BMI, body mass index, comorbidities, diet, global
health, health status, lifestyle modification, metabolism, motivational
interviewing, noncommunicable disease, nutrition transition, nutrition, obesity,
overweight, risk.
