ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of the obesity prevalence, etiology, classification, pathophysiology, and medical and surgical obesity treatment options. The prevalence of obesity has increased to epidemic proportions, making obesity a major public health concern. Obesity can be classified by body mass index (BMI) intervals and related aggregate risk of mortality, on the basis of the anatomical phenotypes, or by etiologic criteria. The most common anatomical classification of obesity is based is on a prevalence of visceral or subcutaneous fat deposition. In addition to increased morbidity, many epidemiological studies have established that obesity is associated with increased mortality. Loss of function mutations of the leptin gene or the leptin receptor gene cause severe obesity in rodents and humans. Clinical evaluation for overweight and obesity should include measurement of bodyweight, BMI, waist circumference, and evaluation of overall medical risk. The goal of treatment is not only to reduce weight but also to improve the comorbid conditions associated with obesity.
