[Radical complications of obesity]

Abstract

Obesity increases overall morbidity mainly by the increased mass of fat tissues and by the hyperproduction of pro-inflammatory molecules by the abdominal tissue. Coronary artery disease, metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus are the main complications linked to the inflammatory low-grade syndrome whereas arthritis is linked to the adipocytes mass. Many other complications are associated with obesity: steato-hepatitis, glomerulo-sclerosis, digestive diseases such as gallstones, hypofertility, psychosocial dysfunction and depression and certain cancers. Obesity is also a risk factor for pregnancy and surgery. Most of these complications are reversible after a substantial weight loss.