Obesity is a
global health problem. Its worldwide
prevalence has tripled between 1975 and 2016, reaching a
prevalence in
Chile of 34.4%, according to the National
Health Survey 2016-2017. If this condition corresponds to a
risk factor or primary
disease is a widely discussed issue. It is recognized as a
disease by the
American Medical Association and
World Health Organization, based on its metabolic and hormonal features, such as dysregulation of
appetite, abnormal energy balance and endocrine dysfunction, among others. Its main
environmental risk factors are the
consumption of
ultra-processed foods and sedentariness. Preventive
measures at the
population level are fundamental, emphasizing promotion and prevention using a transdisciplinary approach. The individual approach in the management of
obesity should improve the
quality of life, avoid early
mortality, reduce
cardiovascular risk, and reduce the progression to
type 2 diabetes and
incidence of
cancer. Thus, an adequate management and control of
obesity would have a great impact in our society.