Obesity can be defined as the excessive storage of fat in the body. While this may seem problematic, it can also be viewed as an adaptation for survival. In nature, living organisms continuously require energy to survive, and fat serves as a strategy for energy storage. The storage of fat acts as a reservoir to sustain life when food supply is interrupted. Many organisms in nature convert energy into fat for storage. Fat provides more energy per unit compared to our other organic food sources, such as carbohydrates and proteins. It can be broken down to release energy when needed and also helps regulate body temperature, both of which are vital for survival.

In addition to its role in energy storage, adipose tissue serves various physiological functions, including being a component of different organs, protecting organs from trauma by surrounding them, producing hormones, contributing to the immune system, and secreting cytokines. Historically, obesity began to emerge around 12,000 years ago with the advent of settled life and agriculture. Obesity results from the interaction between our genetic makeup and the environment. There are different perspectives on how our genetics interact with nature and influence evolutionary processes. In recent years, particularly in developed countries, factors such as fast food consumption and a lack of physical activity have contributed to an obesity pandemic through excessive calorie intake. It has been noted that a significant portion of individual susceptibility to obesity (60-70%) can be explained by genetic predisposition. Hundreds of markers associated with obesity and 97 gene loci related to body mass index (BMI) have been identified in our genome. Differences in the inclination towards obesity and its prevalence among people of various ethnic backgrounds further suggest that genetic factors play a significant role.

Historically, humans lived as hunter-gatherers, engaging in intense physical activity and consuming a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. With the transition to settled life and agriculture, this diet shifted to a high-carbohydrate, low-protein model. The ability to store fat was advantageous during times of scarcity, enabling those who could store enough fat to survive and reproduce during periods of famine. The capacity to store fat likely provided an advantage relative to changing ecological conditions and compared to other individuals of the same species. In this regard, obese individuals can be seen as possessing a survival adaptation capability. However, in modern life, this adaptive capability paradoxically correlates with excessive weight gain and health problems associated with obesity. Similarly, many non-human species also become overweight when subjected to industrialized lifestyles. Many primate species and domesticated animals become obese under captivity.

Throughout history, obesity has often been associated with prosperity, power, abundance, and health. For example, Cybele, one of the great mother goddesses of Anatolia, has been depicted with an obese appearance. Technological advancements beginning in the 18th century improved public health and average life expectancy. By the late 19th century, obesity began to be seen as an aesthetic issue, and by the 20th century, it was recognized as a health problem. Awareness of obesity as a serious health issue has only emerged in the last few decades (50-75 years). Today, obesity has become a global threat, and it seems that preventive measures are proving unsuccessful. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness about obesity. If current trends continue, it is predicted that by 2030, overweight and obese individuals will constitute 60% of the global population.