Global Surge in Adolescent Obesity: A Growing Crisis

Abstract

Obesity is a rapidly growing global epidemic, marked by the excessive accumulation of body fat that significantly increases the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Far from being merely the result of poor lifestyle choices, obesity is now understood as a complex, multifactorial disease influenced by a combination of genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and physiological processes. The condition is primarily driven by a prolonged imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure, leading to sustained weight gain. The rising prevalence of obesity underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and management strategies that not only address the biological underpinnings of the disease but also the broader social and environmental factors contributing to this public health crisis. Early intervention and the use of practical diagnostic tools such as body mass index and waist circumference are crucial in identifying at-risk individuals and implementing effective treatment plans to mitigate the severe health impacts of obesity.