Obesity is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. Numerous studies in recent years have identified obesity as a key cause of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Comprehensive medical and non−medical treatment of metabolic disorders, obesity and correction of excess body weight are the urgent tasks for both the patient and doctor. When defining the obesity as a chronic psychosomatic disease caused by the interaction of numerous genetic and environmental factors there is emphasized the complexity of the problem, including psychological, medical, social, physical and economic aspects. The widespread prevalence of obesity, which determines its comorbid nature, dictates the need to clarify the principles and options for treatment and prevention. In the process of active study, the multicomponent pathogenesis of obesity with the important role of different parts of the brain determines the relevance of a combination of pharmacotherapy and lifestyle intervention. In pharmacotherapy, the weight correction is an important component and reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications, improves quality of life and prognosis. The basis of weight correction measures is a change in lifestyle, increased physical activity and alteration in diet in order to achieve a balance between energy consumption and expenditure. Weight loss is accompanied with an increased tissue sensitivity to insulin, improved lipid metabolism, elimination of latent inflammation, lowering blood pressure and, accordingly, plays a critical role in prevention of the associated diseases and reducing the risk of complications. The fight against obesity is not only an improvement in the patient general condition, but also a great economic benefit, as the doses of drugs are reduced or the need for hypolipidemic, antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs disappears.
Key words: obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, cardiometabolic risk, microbiota, insulin resistance, treatment, prevention.