Complications of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Course overview

The prevalence of obesity in the general population is growing at daunting rates regardless of age, gender, or cultural differences. In general, the risk of comorbidities increases as the degree of obesity increases. Numerous health consequences have been linked to obesity, including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cancers, as well as many other chronic conditions. Metabolic syndrome is a complex constellation of chronic illnesses associated with central obesity, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidemias, and chronic inflammation, and it is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While not all people affected by obesity display the typical findings associated with metabolic syndrome, the concept of metabolically healthy obesity has recently been suggested as a temporary state, and obesity still increases the risk for negative health effects. Of great concern are the potential long-term health effects on the pediatric population.