Obesity: Complications, Complexities and Care Considerations

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disorder that continues to increase in prevalence in the United States and the world. It is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and multiple malignancies. The pathophysiology of obesity is extremely complicated and not entirely understood but multiple factors and mechanisms involving conscious diet patterns, food quality and availability, neurotransmitters in the brain and gut driving satiety and hunger, and patterns of physical activity play a role. There are treatment options available for obesity including surgery and medication for many patients who suffer with this disease when proper diet and physical activity do not achieve sustained remission.