Overview

The prevalence of obesity continues to rise worldwide, contributing to an increased burden of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases. While environmental factors play a significant role in this epidemic, genetic predisposition and dysfunctions in adipose tissue remain critical determinants of disease onset and progression. The classical understanding of obesity, centered on energy imbalance and excessive fat accumulation, is being expanded thanks to emerging molecular insights into metabolic regulation, chronic low-grade inflammation, and adipose tissue plasticity. This Special Issue explores the interplay between traditional and novel mechanisms underlying obesity, including the molecular pathways regulating appetite, thermogenesis, adipocyte differentiation, and systemic inflammation. It also examines the roles of genetic and epigenetic factors in individual susceptibility and disease progression. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for developing innovative therapeutic strategies for preventing and managing obesity and its related complications. This Reprint provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in obesity research, highlighting new potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets that could transform future interventions in metabolic health.