Research on Obesity: A Quarter-Century Experience from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Abstract

Context: This paper aims to synthesize a quarter-century of research on obesity from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), a large prospective population-based cohort. Evidence Acquisition: A comprehensive literature search identified original studies from the TLGS investigating obesity indices, body composition, obesity phenotypes, and their associations with cardiometabolic outcomes. Results: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study findings demonstrate alarming increases in the prevalence and incidence of general and abdominal obesity among Tehranian adults and children. The studies have established population-specific anthropometric cut-offs, revealed the complex associations of various obesity phenotypes with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease, and highlighted the critical role of metabolic health over weight status alone. Conclusions: This substantial body of evidence provides crucial insights for crafting effective public health strategies and future research in transitioning populations.