Obesity is a condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat, generally due to incorrect nutrition and a sedentary life, which can adversely affect both the quality and life expectancy. In recent years, awareness has grown that a balanced weight is a necessary condition for good phys. and mental health. On a psychol. level, in fact, obesity can completely upset a person's life: those who are obese are often isolated and can run into anxiety and depression. In particular, overweight children tend to develop a difficult relationship with their body and with their peers, with consequent isolation which often results in further sedentary habits. We are studying whether and to what extent obesity can also be the result of genetic risk factors. Although studies are still preliminary, given the multifactorial nature of obesity, it is likely that there are combined genetic factors capable of promoting or not the ability to lose weight and keep it low. Other health problems associated with excess body weight are: hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, asthma, increased surgical risk, complications in pregnancy, hirsutism and menstrual irregularities. A particularly serious problem is that of the onset of obesity among children and adolescents, exposed since childhood to respiratory difficulties, joint problems, reduced mobility, but also digestive and psychol. disorders. Those who are obese in childhood are often obese as adults: the risk of developing cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, coronary heart disease, tendency to heart attack) and conditions of impaired metabolism, such as type 2 diabetes or hypercholesterolemia. The main treatment is prevention: in order to control your weight, you need to adopt healthy lifestyles, i.e. proper nutrition and adequate phys. activity. In the diagnosis of obesity and especially in all subsequent therapies and dietary treatments, it is necessary to avoid self-diagnosis, but to rely on a specialist. The treatment consists in reducing body weight, under close medical supervision and in specialized centers and in maintaining a weight appropriate to one's height. Alongside the diet, which must be studied on the individual, phys. activity (appropriate to the type of patient) and possibly also behavioral therapy must be combined. Below we report a brief summary of pharmacotherapy for the reduction of body weight