March 4th is World Obesity Day

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 03. 03. 09:36

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Obesity, now recognized as a chronic disease, is proven to be associated with the development of nearly 200 complications, and comorbidities often appear even before the excess weight is considered extreme. In addition to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart failure, the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and 13 different types of malignant diseases increases significantly, and it can also be associated with fertility problems, which are increasingly challenging today. All this can have fatal consequences: more than 5 million people die every year from diseases caused by overweight and obesity.

In addition to the damage caused to the body, obesity also imposes a serious psychological burden on those affected: prejudiced media content, such as the overrepresentation of thin bodies, weight-related humor, or false information about the causes of obesity, all contribute to the stigmatization of the topic. This is particularly true for women, who are more likely to be the target of negative comments on social media, face stricter societal standards of beauty, and may feel stigmatized by “expectations” about their weight during pregnancy and postpartum.

The devastating complications of obesity therefore affect multiple organ systems, making it particularly difficult to develop complex, patient-specific therapies. Effective treatment of obese patients requires the collaboration of multiple disciplines, including general practitioners, endocrinologists, dietitians, musculoskeletal and mental health professionals, and may include guidance on proper nutrition and regular physical activity, comprehensive behavioral therapy, and, if necessary, pharmacological and surgical options.