Research Status on the Effects of Obesity on Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease characterized by the premature activation of trypsinogen. Mild acute pancreatitis is self-limiting; however, approximately 15-20% of patients progress to severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), which is associated with pancreatic tissue necrosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, organ failure, and a mortality rate of up to 30%. Obesity, a growing global public health concern with increasing yearly incidence worldwide, is an established independent risk factor for the development and exacerbation of AP. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the impact of obesity on the increased risk, occurrence, and progression of AP.