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SYNTHESIS OF THE EVIDENCE ON OBESITY

Obesity is a multifaceted, progressive, and recurring chronic condition characterized by abnormal or excessive body fat that detrimentally impacts health and well-being. Acknowledged as a growing epidemic, it is defined by a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 30 kg m^−2, with morbid obesity classified as a BMI of 30 kg m^−2 or higher. The prevalence of obesity in the United States has surged from 4.6% in 1980 to 14.0% in 2019, affecting 42% of adults and incurring healthcare expenditures of $3.8 trillion in 2019. Despite its recognition as a chronic disease, obesity remains significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated.

ARTICLES REVIEWED

This synthesis explores five articles related to obesity prevalence, presenting a comprehensive table in the appendix and critically reviewing the evidence for proposing an obesity-related project. The identified research articles encompass a 2022 update on the epidemiology of obesity by Boutari and Mantzoros (2022), a study on misalignment in perceptions, reality, and actions in obesity by Caterson et al. (2019), a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies on the lived experience of people with obesity by Farrell et al. (2021), a meta-analysis on sedentary behavior and physical inactivity by Silveira et al. (2022), and a study on trends in general and abdominal obesity in US adults by Sun et al. (2022).

LITERATURE REVIEW

The critical review of the literature reveals that the prevalence of obesity has escalated over the past decade, with repercussions including musculoskeletal complications, metabolic effects, and an increased risk of various malignancies. Caterson et al. (2019) highlights the gap in care for obese patients, emphasizing the need for interventions beyond lifestyle changes. Silveira et al. (2022) underscores the prevalence of sedentary behavior and physical inactivity in individuals with obesity, suggesting screening for readiness to change. Farrell et al. (2021) emphasizes the lived experience of people with obesity, advocating for a holistic approach to address the complexities of this chronic disease. Sun et al. (2022) examines the trends in general and abdominal obesity, reaffirming the persistent burden of obesity in the US.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this synthesis underscores the urgency of addressing the obesity epidemic, highlighting the need for comprehensive interventions that go beyond lifestyle changes. Understanding the lived experience of individuals with obesity and recognizing the impact of sedentary behavior are crucial aspects of developing effective strategies. The synthesis emphasizes the importance of a multifaceted approach to tackle the complexities of obesity and improve patient outcomes.

REFERENCES

Boutari, C., & Mantzoros, C. S. (2022). A 2022 update on the epidemiology of obesity and a call to action: As its twin COVID-19 pandemic appears to be receding, the obesity and dysmetabolism pandemic continues to rage on. Metabolism, 133, 155217.

Caterson, I. D., Alfadda, A. A., Auerbach, P., Coutinho, W., Cuevas, A., Dicker, D., Hughes, C., Iwabu, M., Kang, J., Nawar, R., Reynoso, R., Rhee, N., Rigas, G., Salvador, J., Sbraccia, P., Vázquez‐Velázquez, V., & Halford, J. C. (2019). Gaps to bridge: Misalignment between perception, reality and actions in obesity. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 21(8), 1914–1924.