Management of obesity: Going beyond eating less and moving more

Abstract

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive adipose tissue accumulation that results in a risk to health. This is caused not simply by poor lifestyle, but rather a complex interplay of health inequalities, genetic inheritance, as well as social and environmental factors. Excess weight significantly increases the risk of chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and various types of cancer. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30–35 kg/m2 experience an average reduction in life expectancy of 2–4 years and for those with a BMI of 40–50 kg/m2, the decrease in life expectancy ranges from 8–10 years. Experts predict that by 2030, the UK will see 11 000 000 more adults affected by obesity, resulting in a significant increase in the cost of treating obesity-related diseases. This article provides a contemporary overview of obesity understanding and management in adults, including brief interventions, motivational interviewing, as well as pharmacological and surgical options.