Comprehensive Review Updates on Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease, and Anti-Obesity Interventions

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial chronic condition characterized by excessive body fat accumulation, affecting around a billion individuals worldwide. It has detrimental effects across numerous organ systems, with the majority of deaths in patients with high body mass index (BMI) attributable to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite its prevalence and severe health implications, a consolidated, up-to-date understanding of obesity management and its precise relationship with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factors remains crucial for effective clinical practice. This review aims to bridge that gap by providing a comprehensive update on current knowledge and interventions.

Researchers conducted a comprehensive literature review by performing a systematic search of the PubMed and MedLine databases. The search focused on all relevant literature published within the past five years to ensure currency. Keywords used during the search included obesity, cardiovascular disease, diagnosis, and treatment. The review aimed to synthesize information on the definition and diagnosis of obesity, various pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for weight management, and the intricate relationship between obesity and cardiovascular disease, alongside associated risk factors.

The review synthesizes updated definitions of obesity based on recent WHO 2025 guidelines, emphasizing BMI thresholds where overweight is defined as a BMI greater than 25 kg/m2 and obesity as greater than 30 kg/m2 in adults. It details various anthropometric measurements available for classifying obesity, alongside exploring the emerging role of point-of-care ultrasound in assessing body fat composition, offering a more nuanced diagnostic approach beyond BMI alone. A significant portion is dedicated to summarizing current anti-obesity medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and GIP/GLP-1 dual agonists, outlining their mechanisms of action, efficacy in weight management, and considerations for clinician decision-making. The strong, complex relationship between obesity and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is thoroughly explored, highlighting how increased BMI exacerbates a multitude of cardiometabolic risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. The review also briefly discusses the future of anti-obesity management, touching upon novel drug targets, personalized medicine approaches, and integrated care models aimed at improving long-term outcomes for patients with obesity and reducing their CVD burden. > The review underscores that the majority of deaths in patients with high BMI are attributable to cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the critical need for effective obesity management strategies.