Abstract
Background: Obesity in adulthood has emerged as a major global public health concern and is strongly associated with the development of multiple chronic diseases. It is now widely recognized as a chronic, multifactorial condition influenced by genetic predisposition, metabolic imbalances, neuroendocrine regulation, and behavioural patterns such as dietary habits and physical inactivity. Beyond these individual determinants, socio-environmental influences including urbanization, availability of calorie-dense foods, reduced opportunities for physical activity, and socioeconomic disparities have further contributed to its widespread prevalence. Over the past few decades, the prevalence of adult obesity has risen sharply worldwide, affecting both developed and developing nations.
This review synthesizes current literature on the health consequences of adult obesity, emphasizing its strong associations with cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, certain cancers, musculoskeletal disorders, reproductive complications, mental health problems, and premature mortality. In addition to its impact on physical health, obesity significantly impairs psychosocial well-being and quality of life, increasing the burden on healthcare systems. The aim of this article is to examine the effects of adult obesity on health and well-being and to discuss strategies for achieving and sustaining long-term weight management through lifestyle modification, diet, and policy-level approaches.
Method: This review is based on a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed articles, reports, and guidelines from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and WHO resources. Relevant studies addressing adult obesity, its health impacts, and weight-management strategies were identified, reviewed, and synthesized to develop this paper.