Adult obesity is the leading cause of increased morbidity, disabilities, mortality rates and deteriorated quality of life. Rising obesity is also a significant contributor to the rise in diabetes prevalence. It is forecasted that the obesity prevalence will quadruple from 4.3% in 1990 to 15.9% in 2050, while the prevalence of type 2 DM (diagnosed and undiagnosed) among Singapore adults aged 18–69 will double from 7.3% in 1990 to 15% in 2050. Together, obesity and insulin resistance form the two main underlying mechanisms of metabolic syndrome which leads to elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke. High physical activity levels or exercise training should be an integral part of any treatment plan for obese individuals regardless of weight loss goals, and are inversely associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 DM and all-cause mortality. Hence, exercise is essential in weight management with documented success reported in international weight management programmes where physiotherapists play a central role. However, managing these conditions can be challenging for physiotherapists alone as these conditions often present with complex clinical presentations which require a multi-disciplinary approach and an interplay of management between medical and lifestyle modifications.
