Polikandrioti Maria
Obesity consists a major nutritional health problem in developed and developing countries, which has reached epidemic proportions. Obesity is defined as the condition of excessive fat accumulation to such an extent that affects the individual’s health. Objective: The purpose of the present review was to explore the obesity-related diseases and the medication for treatment of obesity. Method and material : The method οf this study included bibliography research from both the review and the research literature which carried out mainly internationally over the last five years and referred to obesity. Results: The rapidly increased incidence of obesity is due to environmental factors that influence a genetically pathological predisposition. The body mass index (BMI) is an internationally accepted index to estimate body weight, which allows a comparison of prevalence rates worldwide. Obesity has been recognized as an important contributing factor in the development of chronic and serious diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, stroke, heart failure, dyslipidaemia, uric acid, sleep apnea which is the cause of sudden death in sleep and other diseases. The majority of research studies indicate that weight loss is the main goal of treatment of obesity. Taking medication as an option for the treatment of obesity should be the ultimate therapeutic tool because it is associated with many side effects. Conclusions: The results of the present review illustrate that obesity is a public health issue which is rapidly increasing and thus needs to be addressed seriously. Specific diet combined with physical activity can achieve the desired loss of body fat and are the most effective and long-lasting ways to treat obesity.
