Obesity is recognized as the greatest current threat to human health world wide. Obesity (body mass index >30 Kg/m2) is a serious chronic condition linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers, osteoarthritis, respiratory problems, gout, gall bladder disease, liver disease, stroke and reproduction problems. It can also be a key factor in some cases of clinical depression, low self esteem, job and social discrimination. Consequently, obesity is a major contributor to ill health and disability and places a tremendous economic burden on healthcare providers. The first line treatment for obesity is a calorie restricted diet and exercise but pharmacological intervention may also be required to maintain weight loss. Future strategies should be aimed at prevention rather on the treatment of its complications. It is imperative that the psycho/societal causes are also addressed so that prevention strategies are put in place with a particular focus on the young.

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