The evolution of obesity: from evolutionary advantage to a disease

Obesity is linked to several diseases and reduced life expectancy.The prevalence of this important public health issue is increasing worldwide.Aim: The aim of this paper is to highlight the evolution of obesity from the Paleolithic era to the present period and promote it as a disease rather than survival advantage as it used to be perceived.Methods: An overview of the evolution of obesity including from sociocultural perspective throughout history and linking it to metabolic disorders, based on a narrative review of the literature. Conclusion:Published literature on the history of obesity reveals that obesity has been present all along.There seems to be an acknowledgment of obesity as a disease recently, politically and medically.This acknowledgment would facilitate treatment options and policies aimed at curbing increasing obesity.