Patients, who are obese, face a higher risk of multiple other diseases, according to researchers.

Jessica Bartfield, MD, bariatrician at the Loyola Center for Metabolic Surgery and Bariatric Care, said that now it is known that excess adipose (fat) tissue is active rather than inert.

She said that it alters hormones, releases cytokines and inflammatory factors, all of which cause metabolic derangements.

She asserted that for the obese patient, even if the excess weigh is not causing any current medical problems, that patient faces a higher risk of multiple other disease.

“Although lifestyle and behaviors highly influence a person’s weight, research continues to find multiple other factors including genetics, environment, hormonal balances and sleep patterns which underscore the complexity of this disease,” Bartfield said.

“Obesity often acts as the common denominator for all other medical conditions a patient may suffer, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, osteoarthritis or sleep apnea,” she added.

BDST: 1556 HRS, Nov-19, 2013
SIS/GCP