Understanding and Managing Obesity: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Abstract

Obesity emerges as a critical public health threat, with numerous nations witnessing a staggering surge in prevalence over recent decades. This escalating health crisis increases the risk of diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, dementia, osteoarthritis, and various cancers, contributing to morbidity and mortality. The consequences of obesity extend beyond health, including unemployment, social disparities, and impaired quality of life. The ineffectiveness of conventional methods to control obesity highlights the need for a new approach to public policy that shifts away from an emphasis on individual behavior change toward strategies that address environmental factors. The role of a multidisciplinary team, including nurses, dietitians, and psychologists, to support patients through their weight loss journey should not be neglected. Multidisciplinary management of obesity has been recognized as an effective means to improve weight loss and associated health outcomes.