Obesity: Preventing and Managing the Global Epidemic

Overweight and obesity are now so common that they are replacing more traditional problems such as undernutrition and infectious diseases as the most significant causes of ill health in an increasing number of countries. Overweight and obesity have many associated medical conditions such as hypertension and stroke, coronary heart disease and lung disorders. In addition, obese people suffer from social bias, prejudice and discrimination from both the general public and health professionals. This report presents the conclusions and observations from a World Health Organization (WHO) Consultation on obesity which was held 3-5 June 1997 in Geneva. It provides an assessment of current data on the prevalence of obesity, its health consequences and economic costs. Strategies for implementing a systematic approach to the prevention and management of obesity in different health service systems are described and recommendations are given.World Health Organisation Staff is the author of 'Obesity: Preventing and Managing the Global Epidemic', published 2001 under ISBN 9789241208949 and ISBN 9241208945.