Obesity: its Etiology and Co-morbidities

Abstract

Obesity is a complex, chronic, and multifactorial disease influenced by genetic predisposition, environmental and lifestyle factors, neuroendocrine regulation, hormonal disturbances, adipose tissue dysfunction, and alterations in the gut microbiome. Adipose tissue dysfunction and chronic low-grade inflammation play central roles in the development of insulin resistance and other metabolic abnormalities. These mechanisms contribute to major obesity-related co-morbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and certain malignancies. Effective management requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach incorporating lifestyle modification, pharmacological therapy, and bariatric surgery where appropriate.