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Obesity in the 21st Century: Public Health Perspectives and Population...
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Obesity in the 21st Century: Public Health Perspectives and Population Solutions

A Special Issue of Obesities (ISSN 2673-4168).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 5854

Editors

Dr. Ritesh Chimoriya

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Concord Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
2. Concord Institute of Academic Surgery, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
3. School of Health Science, Torrens University Australia, Surry Hills, NSW 2000, Australia
Interests: clinical obesity; diabetes; obesity epidemiology
Dr. Kritika Rana

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
Interests: public health; social determinants of health; obesity epidemiology; built environment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Obesity is one of the most pressing global public health challenges of the 21st century. Its rapid rise across both high- and low-income countries is driven by complex, interrelated factors including urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, dietary transitions, socioeconomic disparities, and environmental influences. As obesity continues to fuel a cascade of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal disorders, there is an urgent need for population-level, systems-oriented solutions. 

This Special Issue seeks to provide a platform for original research and review articles that examine the population health implications of obesity and propose multilevel strategies for prevention, management, and policy response. 

We welcome submissions from a broad range of public health perspectives, including but not limited to 

  • Social and structural determinants of obesity; 
  • Health systems and policy responses; 
  • Community and environmental interventions; 
  • Life-course approaches to obesity prevention; 
  • Health promotion and education; 
  • Urban planning, food systems, and built environment;
  • Economic evaluations of obesity-related interventions; 
  • Cultural and indigenous perspectives; 
  • Technological and digital health approaches; 
  • Multidisciplinary, intersectoral, and equity-focused work is particularly encouraged. 

We invite researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to contribute evidence that informs action and translates knowledge into meaningful population health outcomes. We welcome high-quality original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, commentaries, and perspectives that contribute to a deeper understanding of obesity burden and offer practical or policy-oriented solutions. 

Dr. Ritesh Chimoriya
Dr. Kritika Rana
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Obesities is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • obesity
  • public health
  • population solutions

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 2175 KB  
Article
Temporal Patterns and Cross-Sectional Correlates of BMI-Defined Weight Status Among Mexican Adults Aged 50 Years and Older
by Alberto Retana-Guzman, Israel Rico-Alba, Jessie Nallely Zurita-Cruz, Horacio Marquez-González, Elena García and Rodrigo Peña
Obesities 2026, 6(4), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities6040059 - 11 Aug 2026
Viewed by 348
Abstract
Background: Fluctuations in body mass index (BMI) have been associated with frailty, functional decline, and increased morbidity and mortality. However, evidence on the longitudinal evolution of weight status in aging populations remains limited. This study aimed to characterize population-level patterns and individual longitudinal [...] Read more.
Background: Fluctuations in body mass index (BMI) have been associated with frailty, functional decline, and increased morbidity and mortality. However, evidence on the longitudinal evolution of weight status in aging populations remains limited. This study aimed to characterize population-level patterns and individual longitudinal fluctuations in BMI-defined weight status among Mexican adults aged 50 years and older between 2001 and 2021 and to examine factors associated with BMI categories across survey waves. Methods: This observational study was based on a secondary analysis of data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (ENASEM). Data from the 2001, 2003, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 survey waves were analyzed. Weight status was classified according to BMI as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obesity. Differences in weight status were assessed using χ2 tests adjusted for the complex survey design. Results: Most participants remained in the same BMI category during follow-up; however, relevant transitions between categories were observed, particularly between 2001–2003 and 2018–2021. The longitudinal analysis showed that 32% to 38% of individuals changed BMI category between periods. Obesity showed high persistence, whereas overweight showed greater variability. Wave-specific cross-sectional analyses showed that older age was consistently associated with lower BMI-category position, whereas several socioeconomic and clinical characteristics also exhibited cross-sectional associations with BMI category across survey waves. Conclusions: Although the population-level BMI distribution showed relative stability, relevant individual-level fluctuations were observed. Age and several sociodemographic characteristics were associated with differences in weight status patterns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obesity in the 21st Century: Public Health Perspectives and Population Solutions)
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16 pages, 3970 KB  
Article
From Rejection to Reimbursement: Innovative Strategies for Access to Anti-Obesity Pharmacotherapy in Mexico
by Alberto Retana-Guzman, Eunice Carpio-Macedo, Juan Carlos Garnica-Cuellar, Horacio Marquez-González and Jessie Nallely Zurita-Cruz
Obesities 2026, 6(4), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities6040054 - 17 Jul 2026
Viewed by 507
Abstract
Background: Access to anti-obesity pharmacotherapy within publicly funded healthcare systems remains limited because of concerns regarding affordability, budget impact, and appropriate patient selection. This study describes the methodological and strategic process that enabled the incorporation and public reimbursement of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy for obesity [...] Read more.
Background: Access to anti-obesity pharmacotherapy within publicly funded healthcare systems remains limited because of concerns regarding affordability, budget impact, and appropriate patient selection. This study describes the methodological and strategic process that enabled the incorporation and public reimbursement of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy for obesity management within the Mexican public healthcare system. Methods: A descriptive health policy and market-access analysis was conducted. The reimbursement strategy included five sequential phases: identification of reimbursement barriers, definition of a clinically prioritized target population through expert consensus, generation of local epidemiological evidence, development of pharmacoeconomic and budget impact analyses, and implementation of managed-access and risk-sharing mechanisms. Results: Initial reimbursement attempts were unsuccessful because of concerns regarding the large size of the potentially eligible population and projected budget impact. Sequential application of epidemiological, clinical, and healthcare utilization criteria reduced the potential candidate population from 32,392,801 adults with obesity to 20,412 eligible patients receiving care within public healthcare institutions. Pharmacoeconomic analyses demonstrated favorable cost-effectiveness, while budget impact analyses estimated an average annual investment of MXN $286 million, representing less than 1% of the national pharmaceutical budget over five years. These findings supported the development and regulatory approval of a managed-access strategy that subsequently enabled the incorporation of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy into the National Compendium of Health Supplies in December 2023. Conclusions: Combining local epidemiological evidence, population prioritization, pharmacoeconomic evaluation, and innovative reimbursement mechanisms enabled public access to anti-obesity pharmacotherapy in Mexico. This framework may serve as a model for improving access to obesity therapies in middle-income countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obesity in the 21st Century: Public Health Perspectives and Population Solutions)
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15 pages, 2123 KB  
Article
A Novel Diagnostic Application of the SF-36 Role-Physical Domain for Identifying Clinical Obesity
by Luiza Dias Machado, Larissa da Silva Souza Cordeiro, Caroline de Barros Gomes, Edison Iglesias de Oliveira Vidal and Gislane Lelis Vilela de Oliveira
Obesities 2026, 6(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities6030040 - 6 Jun 2026
Viewed by 908
Abstract
Obesity is an adiposity-based low-grade chronic inflammatory disease characterized by excessive fat accumulation and/or dysregulated adipose function, affecting health, quality of life, and mortality. Despite the implementation of public health strategies and individualized therapeutic interventions, obesity currently affects more than one billion people [...] Read more.
Obesity is an adiposity-based low-grade chronic inflammatory disease characterized by excessive fat accumulation and/or dysregulated adipose function, affecting health, quality of life, and mortality. Despite the implementation of public health strategies and individualized therapeutic interventions, obesity currently affects more than one billion people worldwide. Although the distinction between preclinical obesity (PCO) and clinical obesity (CO) has recently been conceptually established, practical tools capable of translating this distinction into clinical diagnosis are still lacking. In this study, we proposed a novel diagnostic framework in which the SF-36 Role-Physical (RP) domain functions as a screening tool to identify physical limitations associated with CO. The framework integrates anthropometric criteria (body mass index and waist circumference), organ dysfunction (presence of comorbidities), and objectively defined physical limitations based on RP domain cutoff values. To validate the framework, patients’ inflammatory profiles were evaluated. Our results demonstrated that stratification based on this functional model could identify a phenotype characterized by a distinct pro-inflammatory profile. CO patients exhibited significantly increased IL-6 and IL-17A levels compared with the PCO and overweight groups. Taken together, these findings suggest that this approach may serve as a simple, low-cost, and clinically applicable strategy to support differentiation between preclinical and clinical obesity. However, larger longitudinal and multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obesity in the 21st Century: Public Health Perspectives and Population Solutions)
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12 pages, 1254 KB  
Article
Body Composition and Obesity in Nephrology Patients: Intersecting Effects of Sex, Age, and COVID-19
by Josipa Radić, Hana Đogaš, Marijan Nikolić, Ema Boras, Marina Grubić, Marijana Vučković, Andrea Gelemanović and Mislav Radić
Obesities 2026, 6(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities6030034 - 30 May 2026
Viewed by 944
Abstract
Background: Excess body weight is a major global health problem and an established independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and to evaluate sex-, age-, and time-related trends—including the COVID-19 period—among [...] Read more.
Background: Excess body weight is a major global health problem and an established independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and to evaluate sex-, age-, and time-related trends—including the COVID-19 period—among patients treated at the Outpatient Clinic of the Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Arterial Hypertension, University Hospital of Split, from 2016 to 2024. Methods: This study included 3033 subjects over 18 years of age, 44.8% men and 55.2% women with a mean age of 60 years. Body composition was assessed using the Tanita MC-780 bioelectrical impedance analyzer and body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) was measured. Results: The study population had median BMI of 28.0 kg/m2, with 33.1% overweight and 37% obese participants, including 6.6% with class III obesity. Men showed greater muscle and bone mass (p < 0.001), whereas women had higher fat mass and obesity prevalence (38.2% vs. 35.6%, p < 0.001). Participants under 65 years had higher absolute fat and muscle mass but similar fat percentage compared to older adults. Overweight and obesity prevalence increased with age, peaking at 75–78% in the 55–74-year group. BMI and fat mass rise significantly during and after the COVID-19 period, while phase angle values declined. Conclusions: Excess body weight is highly prevalent in nephrology patients, particularly in middle-aged adults. The COVID-19 pandemic further worsened body composition indicators, reinforcing the need for preventive strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obesity in the 21st Century: Public Health Perspectives and Population Solutions)
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15 pages, 901 KB  
Article
Is Crime Associated with Obesity and High Blood Pressure? Repeated Cross-Sectional Evidence from a Peruvian Study
by Rosmery Ramos-Sandoval, Janina Bazalar Palacios, Milagros Leonardo Ramos, Emily Baca Marroquín, Arelly Fernanda Vega Peche and Nicolas Ismael Alayo Arias
Obesities 2025, 5(4), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities5040095 - 17 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1689
Abstract
Violence is an emerging social determinant of health in Latin America; however, empirical evidence from Peru remains limited. This study examined the association between crime rates and the prevalence of obesity and high blood pressure in Peru from 2019 to 2023. Using a [...] Read more.
Violence is an emerging social determinant of health in Latin America; however, empirical evidence from Peru remains limited. This study examined the association between crime rates and the prevalence of obesity and high blood pressure in Peru from 2019 to 2023. Using a repeated cross-sectional design with department–year aggregates, we analyzed nationally representative data from the Demographic and Family Health Survey, adjusting for sociodemographic, mental health, and geographic factors. Regional statistics on crime were incorporated into the analysis. The findings revealed a significant association between higher levels of crime and increased prevalence of self-reported high blood pressure and obesity. The association with obesity was particularly pronounced in border regions such as Tumbes, Madre de Dios, and Callao, where criminal activity is more prevalent. The findings indicate that prolonged exposure to violence may negatively impact biological stress responses, limit physical activity, and encourage the emergence of detrimental behaviors, consequently increasing the cardiometabolic risk burden in affected populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obesity in the 21st Century: Public Health Perspectives and Population Solutions)
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