Alice  Antenucci,Eleni  Anastasilaki,Giulia  Antenucci,Ioannis Patrikios,Mousa Al  Rawashdeh,Stephanos  Christodoulides,Zisis  Barmpas,
Lifestyle Risk Factors and Management of Obesity: A Mini Review
Cardiovascular Disorder and Medicine
2020

http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.CDM.2020.01.03
https://www.sciencerepository.org/lifestyle-risk-factors-and-management-of-obesity-a-mini-review_CDM-2020-1-103 
Abstract: Obesity is one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. The most common method
used to define obesity is the BMI (weight/height squared in meters). If a person’s BMI is 30 or above is
considered to be obese. In this review we focus on the different factors that cause obesity and on the different
available treatment strategies. The mechanism behind weight gain is based on the energy intake of an
individual. Positive energy balance leads to gain weight. With rapid economic growth, urbanization and
westernization traditional diets high in fibres were replaced by diets high in sugar and fats which are high
in energy and lead to a positive energy balance and therefore gain weight. Also, energy high food prices
have declined leading to increased consumption of the latter. Fast foods which sell low quality/ energy high
foods for a convenient price are an example of this phenomenon. Daily choices also influence the prevalence
of obesity. For instance, eating out often can expose individuals to larger portions eventually leading to the
phenomenon of portion distortion. Physical activity affects the energy balance of an individual along with
dietary choices. Increase in physical activity, as shown in different studies, promotes weight loss.
Combining low-fat diet with either vigorous exercise or simple lifestyle activity has been proven to be the
best modality for weight loss. There are three main management strategies that can be followed in order to
lose weight: lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy and surgery. The primary approach to treat obesity is
weight loss through diet and exercise, supported also by behavioural therapy. The aim of the diet should be
lowering the calorie intake. People should first of all inform themselves about the different macronutrients
normal intake levels and consult an expert. If no adequate weight loss is achieved by lifestyle changes,
medications like Orlistat may be taken. If medications and lifestyle changes aren’t successful, surgery may
be considered as an option to lose weight.Keywords: Obesity, nutrition, diet, physical activity, management, lifestyle, BMI, weight gain, weight loss