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The Veterinary Clinics of North... May 1989Obesity is the most common nutritionally related disease of dogs and cats. Several of the important health problems that are inherent with obesity are resolved when the... (Review)
Review
Obesity is the most common nutritionally related disease of dogs and cats. Several of the important health problems that are inherent with obesity are resolved when the patient's body weight is returned to normal. Proper dietary management is central to successful treatment and prevention. Low-fat, high-fiber diets provide fewer available calories but induce a greater degree of satiety than simple restriction of the obese patient's regular food. Care must be taken to assure that overweight cats are not fasted, because preliminary reports indicate an alarming association between severe caloric restriction and hepatic lipidosis in obese cats. Obesity prevention should ideally be proactive, owing to the predictability of obesity in certain groups of pets. The large number of reduced-energy maintenance type diets that are available for obesity prevention facilitate this goal.
Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Obesity
PubMed: 2658285
DOI: 10.1016/s0195-5616(89)50055-x -
Disease-a-month : DM Dec 1996Obesity as a chronic condition among large numbers of people is a disease of recent origin, often but by no means always associated with dietary habits and sedentary... (Review)
Review
Obesity as a chronic condition among large numbers of people is a disease of recent origin, often but by no means always associated with dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle. Many obese people want to lose weight, and may have tried to do so numerous times with self-help or proprietary weight-loss programs. When they seek a physician for help in losing weight-or when a physician advises an obese patient to lose weight as part of a clinical strategy-care must be taken to "match" the patient to an appropriate therapeutic program with appropriate therapeutic goals. History and physical examination and psychologic evaluation are essential elements of patient screening. Complications of obesity must be taken into account in any treatment plan. The multidisciplinary management strategy is most likely to succeed in helping the patient lose weight. It also avoids untoward events associated with complications or concomitant disease. The multidisciplinary approach is especially important when the patient does not lose weight, and alternative strategies must be considered, such as surgical approaches.
Topics: Anti-Obesity Agents; Humans; Obesity; Obesity, Morbid; Treatment Failure; Weight Loss
PubMed: 8982059
DOI: 10.1016/s0011-5029(96)80001-0 -
Journal of Consulting and Clinical... Jun 2002Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and other developed nations. In the United States, 27% of adults are obese and an additional 34% are... (Review)
Review
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and other developed nations. In the United States, 27% of adults are obese and an additional 34% are overweight. Research in the past decade has shown that genetic influences clearly predispose some individuals to obesity. The marked increase in prevalence, however, appears to be attributable to a toxic environment that implicitly discourages physical activity while explicitly encouraging the consumption of supersized portions of high-fat, high-sugar foods. Management of the obesity epidemic will require a two-pronged approach. First, better treatments, including behavioral, pharmacologic, and surgical interventions, are needed for individuals who are already obese. The second and potentially more promising approach is to prevent the development of obesity by tackling the toxic environment. This will require bold public policy initiatives such as regulating food advertising directed at children. The authors call not for the adoption of a specific policy initiative, but instead propose that policy research, based on viewing obesity as a public health problem, become a central focus of research.
Topics: Algorithms; Body Mass Index; Environment; Health Status; Humans; Obesity
PubMed: 12090366
DOI: 10.1037//0022-006x.70.3.510 -
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD Jun 2016Obesity is still defined on the basis of body mass index (BMI) and BMI in itself is generally accepted as a strong predictor of overall early mortality. However, an... (Review)
Review
Obesity is still defined on the basis of body mass index (BMI) and BMI in itself is generally accepted as a strong predictor of overall early mortality. However, an inverse association between BMI and mortality has been reported in patients with many disease states and in several clinical settings: hemodialysis, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, surgery, etc. This unexpected phenomenon is usually called obesity-survival paradox (OP). The contiguous concepts of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO, a phenotype having BMI ≥ 30 but not having any metabolic syndrome component and having a homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, HOMA, <2.5) and metabolically obese normal weight (MONW, normal-weight individuals displaying obesity-related phenotypic characteristics) have received a great deal of attention in recent years. The interactions that link MHO, MONW and OP with body composition, fat distribution, aging and cardiorespiratory fitness are other crucial areas of research. The article is an introductory narrative overview of the origin and current use of the concepts of MHO, MONW and OP. These phenomena are very controversial and appear as a consequence of the frail current diagnostic definition of obesity based only on BMI. A new commonly established characterization and classification of obesities based on a number of variables is needed urgently.
Topics: Body Mass Index; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Metabolic Syndrome; Mortality, Premature; Obesity
PubMed: 27043948
DOI: 10.1007/s40519-016-0278-4 -
Cancer Epidemiology Aug 2011Rates of distal and junctional adenocarcinomas are increasing in Western countries. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Rates of distal and junctional adenocarcinomas are increasing in Western countries.
METHODS
Systematic review of epidemiological evidence linking obesity to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) was performed for studies published from 2005 to 2010. The current understanding of obesity's role in the etiology and potential dysplastic progression of Barrett's esophagus (BE) to EA is reviewed.
RESULTS
Accumulating epidemiological studies provide evidence of obesity's role as a driving force behind the increasing rates of EA. The simplest construct is that obesity promotes reflux, causing chronic inflammation and BE, predisposing to adenocarcinoma. However, as obesity is positively associated with the prevalence of many cancers, other mechanisms are important. A link may exist between fat distribution patterns and the risk of BE and EA. Altered metabolic profiles in the metabolic syndrome (MetS) may be a key factor in cell cycle/genetic abnormalities that mark the progression of BE towards cancer. Research highlighting a unique role of MetS in the length of BE, and its association with systemic inflammation and insulin resistance is discussed, as well as adipokine receptor expression in both BE and esophageal epithelium, and how MetS and the systemic response impacts on key regulators of inflammation and tumorigenesis. CONCLUSIONS/IMPACT: Obesity is positively associated with EA. The systemic inflammatory state consequent on the altered metabolism of obese patients, and the associated impact of adipocytokines and pro-coagulant factors released by adipocytes in central fat, may underlie obesity's relationship to this cancer. Novel therapeutic agents that may antagonize adipo-cytokines and potentially offer a promising role in cancer therapy are discussed.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Cohort Studies; Esophageal Neoplasms; Humans; Metabolic Syndrome; Obesity; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 21470937
DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2011.03.001 -
Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory... 2020The prevalence of obesity and asthma are both increasing at alarming rates. The link between obesity and asthma suggests that obesity contributes to both risk of new... (Review)
Review
The prevalence of obesity and asthma are both increasing at alarming rates. The link between obesity and asthma suggests that obesity contributes to both risk of new onset asthma and increased asthma severity. The emerging evidence demonstrating the role of obesity and other lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity, on asthma outcomes warrants lifestyle interventions that can address these components of asthma care. This review examines the current literature on the pathophysiology of obesity's role in asthma, as well as the role of diet and physical activity in weight loss and in asthma outcomes. We discuss recent studies that employ lifestyle interventions to target improved asthma outcomes. Finally, we discuss the future direction of research in this area. .
Topics: Animals; Asthma; Comorbidity; Diet, Healthy; Exercise; Healthy Lifestyle; Humans; Lung; Obesity; Prevalence; Risk Reduction Behavior; Treatment Outcome; Weight Loss
PubMed: 32103702
DOI: 10.1177/1753466620906323 -
Disease-a-month : DM Jul 1989Obesity, defined as an excess of body fat, can be measured with a variety of techniques, but in most epidemiologic studies it is estimated from height and weight or from... (Review)
Review
Obesity, defined as an excess of body fat, can be measured with a variety of techniques, but in most epidemiologic studies it is estimated from height and weight or from skinfold thickness. The "gold standard" for body fat is the body density from which fat and fat-free body mass can be calculated. The new technique of bioelectric impedance analysis may substantially improve the estimation of total body fat. For estimating regional fat distribution, either waist to hip circumference ratio or subscapular skinfold have been most useful. Using the body mass index, defined as weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kilogram per square meter), the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimated that 26%, or 34 million, adult Americans aged 20 to 75 were overweight. The prevalence of severe overweight (a body mass index above 30 kg/m2) is higher in the United States and Canada than in Great Britain, the Netherlands, or Australia. Obesity results from an increase in energy intake relative to expenditure. Total daily energy expenditure includes energy used during resting metabolism, energy associated with the ingestion of food, and energy needed for physical activity. The obese are often observed to be less active, but since carrying a heavier load requires more energy, their total energy expenditure may not be low. A low resting metabolic rate has been suggested as a predictor of future risk of becoming obese. Adipose tissue is the major site for fat storage and may contain more than 90% of total energy stores. The increase in body mass index or degree of body weight is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, gall bladder disease, and diabetes mellitus. When fat is centrally located in either males or females, the risk for these diseases is also increased, and may be a more important risk factor than total overweight itself. Genetic factors form the background from which obesity develops. The best estimates suggest that these genetic factors may be of less importance than environmental events in determination of total body fat and its distribution. Obesity can be classified on the basis of the total number of fat cells and regional fat distribution by using the etiological factors which caused the obesity or by determining the age at which the obesity began. Regardless of the cause, treatment for obesity should be based on an evaluation of the individual's risk from obesity as compared with the risk of the treatment under consideration. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Obesity
PubMed: 2663391
DOI: 10.1016/0011-5029(89)90007-2 -
Acta Medica Croatica : Casopis... Dec 2012Obesity is a major health problem today that grows into a global epidemic. According to the World Health Organization report, 1.5 billion adults were overweight, over... (Review)
Review
Obesity is a major health problem today that grows into a global epidemic. According to the World Health Organization report, 1.5 billion adults were overweight, over 500 million of them were obese, and the prevalence of obesity is expected to rise in the years to come. A similar situation is recorded in Croatia, where there are 25.3% of obese men and 34.1% of obese women. There are multiple factors that cause obesity. Accelerated lifestyle, fast food, unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyle are considered as the major risk factors of overweight and obesity development. Accumulation of fat tissue, especially visceral fat tissue has been demonstrated to be associated with some chronic changes and diseases of different organ systems. Some anthropometric measurements, especially body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, have been used to diagnose obesity and estimate the health risk. Developing well-structured prevention programs that would encourage people to become aware of obesity as a disease and that imbalanced dietary habits and physical activity are important for obesity prevention and health, is a major public health challenge.
Topics: Humans; Obesity
PubMed: 23814963
DOI: No ID Found -
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) Sep 2006Although obesity is increasing in older U.S. adults, treatment is controversial in this age group. We sought to examine evidence concerning obesity's health-related... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Although obesity is increasing in older U.S. adults, treatment is controversial in this age group. We sought to examine evidence concerning obesity's health-related risks, diagnostic methods, and treatment outcomes in older individuals.
RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES
We searched MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases, consulted with experts, and examined bibliographies for English language studies discussing obesity in older adults (mean age > or = 60), published between January 1980 and November 2005. Inclusion criteria were met by 32 longitudinal analyses, seven diagnostic studies, and 17 randomized controlled trial articles. At least two authors independently reviewed and abstracted study design, population, results, and quality information.
RESULTS
Correlations between body fat and three anthropometric measures (BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio) decrease with age but remain clinically significant. Obesity contributes to risk for several cardiovascular endpoints, some cancers, and impaired mobility but protects against hip fracture. The association between obesity and mortality declines as age increases. Intensive counseling strategies incorporating behavioral, dietary, and exercise components promote a weight loss of 3 to 4 kg over 1 to 3.3 years. The loss is linked with improved glucose tolerance, improved physical functioning, reduced incidence of diabetes and a combined hypertension and cardiovascular endpoint, and reduced bone density.
DISCUSSION
In older adults, obesity can be diagnosed with standard clinical measures. Intensive counseling can promote modest sustained weight loss, but data are insufficient to evaluate surgical or pharmacological options. Obesity treatment is most likely to benefit individuals with high cardiovascular risk. Limited data suggest possible functional improvement. Treatment should incorporate measures to avoid bone loss.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Aged; Anthropometry; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Geriatrics; Humans; Life Style; Male; Obesity; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Weight Loss
PubMed: 17030958
DOI: 10.1038/oby.2006.171 -
Seminars in Reproductive Medicine Jan 2016Obesity is associated with a myriad of adverse reproductive outcomes including miscarriage, fetal growth abnormalities, and preeclampsia. While the mechanisms involved... (Review)
Review
Obesity is associated with a myriad of adverse reproductive outcomes including miscarriage, fetal growth abnormalities, and preeclampsia. While the mechanisms involved are likely multifactorial, the potential impact of obesity on the preimplantation embryonic trophoblast cannot be overlooked-particularly given the role the trophoblast plays in endometrial invasion and implantation. Appropriate trophoblast function is critical in establishing a normal pregnancy. Insufficient or impaired trophoblast invasion is associated with early miscarriage, fetal growth abnormalities, and preeclampsia. Thus, any negative impact obesity may impose on the trophoblast may represent a root cause for several adverse reproductive outcomes seen more commonly among obese women. While little is known about obesity's specific impact on the human trophoblast, in vitro studies and animal models provide insight. In this article, we review what is known on this topic and provide a basis for future work, investigating therapeutic targets for improved reproductive outcomes in the setting of maternal obesity.
Topics: Blastocyst; Embryo, Mammalian; Endometrium; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Obesity; Oocytes; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Outcome; Trophoblasts
PubMed: 26696274
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1570032