Obesity through the ages of man

Abstract

From before birth and onwards there is the potential for obesity. Many of the predisposing factors can be prevented or minimised through educational and preventative strategies that support healthier diet and lifestyles, but the need for active treatment and management of obesity has never been greater. Childhood and adolescence are crucial times for prevention, and treatment in middle age confers important health and quality of life benefits. As obesity becomes more prevalent and the population ages, new and inventive strategies are required to tackle this ubiquitous health problem also in older age groups.