OBESITY

Course overview

OBESITY IS THE EXCESSIVE OR ABNORMAL ACCUMULATION OF FAT OR ADIPOSE TISSUE IN THE BODY THAT MAY IMPAIR HEALTH. OBESITY HAS BECOME AN EPIDEMIC WHICH HAS WORSENED FOR THE LAST 50 YEARS. IN THE UNITED STATES, THE ECONOMIC BURDEN IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT $100 BILLION ANNUALLY. OBESITY IS A COMPLEX DISEASE AND HAS MULTIFACTORIAL ETIOLOGY. IT IS THE SECOND MOST COMMON CAUSE OF PREVENTABLE DEATH AFTER SMOKING. THIS ACTIVITY REVIEWS THE CAUSES, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, PRESENTATION, AND COMPLICATIONS OF OBESITY AND HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN ITS MANAGEMENT.