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Review
. 2015 Sep;4(3):363-70.
doi: 10.1007/s13679-015-0169-4.

Overweight and Obesity: Prevalence, Consequences, and Causes of a Growing Public Health Problem

Ellen P Williams  1 , Marie Mesidor  2 , Karen Winters  3 , Patricia M Dubbert  4 , Sharon B Wyatt  5
Affiliations
Review

Overweight and Obesity: Prevalence, Consequences, and Causes of a Growing Public Health Problem

Ellen P Williams et al. Curr Obes Rep. 2015 Sep.

Abstract

This review considers a variety of perspectives on overweight and obesity (OW/obesity), including measurement and classification; prevalence and changes in prevalence in recent years; genetic, biological, medical, individual, and social correlates of OW/obesity; and treatment approaches. Despite increased attention, OW/obesity is escalating in prevalence worldwide, and the causes are exceedingly complex. A range of innovative studies, including basic research on gut microflora, dietary composition, pharmacologic interventions, and surgical procedures, is generating findings with potential for future prevention and treatment of OW/obesity. Social system changes such as school programs and the awareness of the roles of personal, family, health provider, and cultural experiences related to OW/obesity have also gained traction for vital prevention and treatment efforts over the past decade.

Keywords: Obesity; Overweight; Treatment; Trends.

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