Definition and introduction to epidemiology of obesity

Abstract Obesity is a global, complex, multifactorial, and generally preventable disease. The global prevalence of obesity has doubled in the past 40 years regardless of sex, age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Today, more than one-third of the world’s population is classified as obese or overweight. If this trend continues, researchers estimate that by 2030, this number will surpass 50%.