AGA technical review on obesity
Obesity is a chronic and stigmatizing disease that has become a major health problem in
most industrialized countries because of its high prevalence, causal relationship with
serious medical illnesses, and economic impact. In the United States, it is estimated that
obesity is responsible for approximately 300,000 deaths per year, 1 and that the direct
(medical expenses) and indirect (value of lost productivity) costs of obesity exceed $100
billion per year. 2 Obesity has particular relevance for gastroenterologists because (1) …
most industrialized countries because of its high prevalence, causal relationship with
serious medical illnesses, and economic impact. In the United States, it is estimated that
obesity is responsible for approximately 300,000 deaths per year, 1 and that the direct
(medical expenses) and indirect (value of lost productivity) costs of obesity exceed $100
billion per year. 2 Obesity has particular relevance for gastroenterologists because (1) …
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic and stigmatizing disease that has become a major health problem in most industrialized countries because of its high prevalence, causal relationship with serious medical illnesses, and economic impact. In the United States, it is estimated that obesity is responsible for approximately 300,000 deaths per year,1 and that the direct (medical expenses) and indirect (value of lost productivity) costs of obesity exceed $100 billion per year.2 Obesity has particular relevance for gastroenterologists because (1) obesity causes gastrointestinal diseases, including cholelithiasis, pancreatitis, and liver disease; (2) patients who have had obesity surgery may need a gastroenterologist to evaluate and treat postoperative intestinal complications; and (3) the gastrointestinal tract is a viable target for current and future obesity therapies that affect nutrient absorption or gut hormones involved in appetite regulation.
GASTROENTEROLOGY 2002;123:882-932
Elsevier