Abstract

Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are two interrelated global health challenges whose prevalence continues 
to rise across all age groups and socioeconomic settings. Obesity, particularly central adiposity, plays a critical 
pathophysiological role in the development and progression of MetS, which is defined by the clustering of 
abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and impaired glucose regulation. This narrative review synthesizes 
current scientific evidence on the definitions, diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, and mechanistic links between 
obesity and MetS. Key interconnected mechanisms include adipose-tissue dysfunction, chronic inflammation, 
insulin resistance, lipotoxicity, and obesity-related vascular alterations. Together, these pathways promote a 
spectrum of clinical consequences, notably cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, 
obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers. The review further discusses therapeutic strategies 
including lifestyle modification, pharmacological interventions, bariatric surgery, and emerging precision-medicine 
approaches. Public health implications underscore the need for multisectoral policies that address obesogenic 
environments and health inequities. Finally, future research directions highlight the importance of longitudinal 
studies, biomarker discovery, and implementation science to strengthen prevention and management strategies. 
Understanding the complex interplay between obesity and metabolic syndrome is essential to mitigating their 
global burden and improving long-term population health outcomes.