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Obesity: effects on the liver and gastrointestinal system
1Division of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, TB 156, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Current Opinion in Gastroenterology
|October 7, 2006
Summary
Obesity (body mass index > 30 kg/m) is an epidemic linked to serious health issues. This review explores obesity's connection to liver and gastrointestinal diseases, offering new insights for gastroenterologists.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology
- Public Health and Epidemiology
Background:
- Obesity has reached epidemic levels in the US, posing significant health risks beyond aesthetics.
- It is a major risk factor for numerous comorbidities, leading to multi-organ dysfunction and reduced lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging research on the association between obesity and prevalent hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders.
- To highlight the impact of obesity on conditions such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux, gallstones, and colon cancer risk.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing scientific literature.
- Information was gathered on the relationship between obesity and key gastrointestinal and liver diseases.
Main Results:
- Obesity is strongly linked to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and gallstone formation.
- Increased body mass index is associated with a higher risk of developing colon cancer.
Conclusions:
- Understanding obesity's role in these diseases is crucial for advancing knowledge of their pathogenesis.
- New treatment strategies for gastroenterologists can be developed by further investigating the obesity-disease connection.
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