Obesity: A call to action

Abstract

Obesity has emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century, impacting millions worldwide and contributing to serious health complications such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, as well as a diminished quality of life. This editorial explores the multifaceted nature of obesity, emphasizing the interplay between genetic predisposition, environmental constraints and behavioral drivers. Key contributors, such as the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods, increasingly sedentary lifestyles and psychosocial stressors, are explored in detail, along with their combined impact on the escalating global obesity rates. The editorial highlights the far-reaching consequences of obesity, including its economic burden, societal implications and the ripple effects on healthcare systems. Priority areas for action are proposed, including public health policies, education and the creation of environments that support active lifestyles. The importance of clinical interventions, such as early screening, personalized treatment strategies and the inclusion of dietitians within multidisciplinary care teams, is emphasized as vital for enhancing patient outcomes and managing obesity effectively. This editorial calls for a comprehensive, systemic response to address the global obesity epidemic, advocating for evidence-based interventions that are tailored to individual needs while addressing societal and environmental determinants. By fostering collaboration across sectors and prioritizing prevention and treatment, meaningful progress can be made in combating this escalating crisis.

Keywords: BMI; health promotion; lifestyle; obesity; overweight.