Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Challenges and Emerging Therapies

Abstract

Obesity and metabolic syndrome have become major global public health concerns because of their strong association with type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic kidney disease, and premature mortality. The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically over recent decades owing to changes in dietary patterns, reduced physical activity, urbanization, genetic susceptibility, and environmental influences. Metabolic syndrome, characterized by central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose metabolism, substantially increases the risk of both cardiovascular and metabolic complications. Advances in understanding adipose tissue biology, chronic inflammation, gut microbiota, hormonal regulation, and energy metabolism have transformed approaches to prevention and treatment. Contemporary management combines lifestyle intervention, pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery, and multidisciplinary long-term care. Recently developed anti-obesity medications, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dual incretin therapies, have demonstrated substantial improvements in weight reduction and metabolic health. This review summarizes current evidence regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of obesity and metabolic syndrome while highlighting emerging therapeutic strategies.