Contents


Preface

Why is humanity in general becoming obese but some parts of the world are suffering from starvation? Ironically, this problem of socioeconomic disparity is becoming increasingly prevalent in almost every continent. Unfortunately, it is not an intended situation, such as health problems caused by being underweight.

Obesity could be defined as a multifactorial and heterogeneous disease. Higher morbidity and mortality rates are associated with obesity. Excessive fat accumulation is seen as the etiological reason for almost all chronic diseases. Obesity threatens human health and reduces life expectancy. Genetic, biological, environmental, and behavioral factors (binge eating/drinking, laziness, lack of willpower, insufficient sleep, sedentary lifestyle, and self-indulgence) are blamed for the pathogenesis of obesity. Environmental factors (low socioeconomic status, lack of education, cultural reasons, and environmental pollution), family lifestyle, eating habits, and inactivity also play important roles in obesity. When biological factors (disability, gut microbiota, comorbidities, and prenatal, neural, and endocrine conditions) and genetics interact with behavioral and/or environmental factors, the result is obesity. Oxidative damage is the main underlying mechanism of obesity-related diseases. As the prevalence of obesity increases, morbidity and mortality from obesity-related diseases also increase. In addition, obesityrelated health problems increase treatment costs and lead to financial and labor losses in society. Population-based, preventive, and sustainable public health approaches are necessary to combat obesity. Obesity is preventable, and healthcare professionals have an important role to play in preventing this problem. Healthcare policy objectives must be centered on improving life expectancy and quality of life for humanity all over the world. Healthy and supportive environments are indispensable factors for preventing obesity, in addition to education. However, the

fundamental issue is the processed food industry.

**Hülya Çakmur** Kafkas University,

Turkey
