Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic that is also driving the marked increase in Type 2 diabetes across the globe. While it is easily recognizable clinically, and readily measurable in the United States, a feature that is not well recognized is the central adiposity that may be the only or primary feature in South East Asian communities. Thus it is imperative for clinicians to be brought up do date in order for preventative or therapeutic modalities are introduced early in the disease process.This issue of Medical Clinics of North America covers numerous clinical aspects of obesity including metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, the link with cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Several treatment modalities are covered including diet, exercise, cognitive and behavioral approaches, medications, and surgery.