Medicus, Vol. 34. No. 1. KRM zdravlje, 2025.
Review article
Why is Obesity Today More Prevalent than Ever?
Maja Baretić
Abstract
This review paper analyzes a wide range of causes contributing to weight gain in contemporary society, starting from individual factors such as genetics, sex, age, and psychological characteristics, and extending to broader environmental influences, social norms, and economic conditions. Particular attention is given to the role of evolutionary mechanisms, originally adapted to conserve energy, which today, in an environment of abundant high-calorie foods and reduced physical activity, contribute significantly to the development of obesity. The impact of stress, sleep disturbances, urbanization, and exposure to endocrine disruptors are also emphasized as critical risk factors. Moreover, the influence of socioeconomic determinants, such as access to healthy food, working conditions, and educational disparities, is discussed. Obesity is increasingly understood as the result of complex biopsychosocial processes, where personal choices regarding diet and physical activity cannot be considered in isolation, but must be viewed within a broader network of interacting factors. Grasping this complexity is essential for designing effective strategies for prevention, treatment, and public health interventions. This review offers a comprehensive insight into the dynamics of weight gain in modern society, highlighting the urgent need for an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to address this growing global challenge.
Keywords
obesity, modern lifestyle, environmental factors, genetics, stress
Hrčak ID:
338522
URI
Publication date:
27.10.2025.
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