Obesity

This chapter focuses on the prevalence and distribution of obesity worldwide, the mechanisms of its development, and the available treatment interventions. It presents the summary of hormones influencing the obesity pathogenesis. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with altered communities of gut microbiota, inflammation, and gut barrier disintegration. The optimal management of overweight and obesity requires a combination of diet, exercise, and behavioural modification. In addition, some patients eventually require pharmacologic therapy and, if there is an inadequate response, then bariatric surgery. Proponents of low-carbohydrate diets have argued that the increasing obesity epidemic may be in part due to low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets. Dukan diet is an example of a low-carbohydratem high-protein diet, which proposes an eating plan including 100 foods, of which 72 are from animal sources and 28 come from plants. There are several commercial programs, which vary in effectiveness, and the ability to provide, follow, and maintain good nutrition and safety.