International journal of obesity : journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity
-
Obesity is a multifactorial disease of epidemic and global proportions that poses the most significant threat to the health of our younger generations. Those who are the most extremely affected bear the largest burden of health problems. In the US, extreme obesity affects approximately 9 million adults and 2 million children, and is associated with both immediate health problems and later health risk, including premature mortality. ⋯ This position has been echoed by a number of groups and an independent systematic review. Finally, it is conceivable that bariatric surgery performed in adulthood for childhood onset extreme obesity may not be as effective for comorbidity treatment as surgery performed earlier during adolescence. The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence, which supports early rather than later use of bariatric surgery in the treatment of extreme obesity, and to present this information in light of the medical and surgical risks of bariatric surgery.
-
Musculoskeletal findings in obese subjects before and after weight loss following bariatric surgery.
To determine the point prevalence of painful musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in obese subjects before and after weight loss following bariatric surgery. ⋯ There was a higher frequency of multiple MSK complaints, including non-weight-bearing sites compared to historical controls, before surgery, which decreased significantly at most sites following weight loss and physical activity. These benefits may improve further, as weight loss may continue for up to 24 months. The benefits seen with weight loss indicate that prevention and treatment of obesity can improve MSK health and function.
-
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs frequently in obese patients and may be reversible with weight loss. Obstructive sleep apnoea and obesity are both independent risk factors for hypertension and increased sympathetic activity. Sibutramine has been increasingly used in the management of obesity, but is relatively contraindicated in patients with hypertension. No studies have investigated the effect of sibutramine on OSA, blood pressure and heart rate. We aimed to assess the changes in OSA and cardiovascular parameters in obese men with OSA enrolled in a sibutramine-assisted weight loss programme (SIB-WL). ⋯ Moderate (approximately 10%) weight loss with SIB-WL results in improvement in OSA severity without increase in blood pressure in closely monitored OSA subjects.
-
Comparative Study
The relationship between body mass index and health-related quality of life: comparing the EQ-5D, EuroQol VAS and SF-6D.
No other studies have compared the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and health-related quality of life (HRQL) on more than one utility measure. Estimating the HRQL effects of obesity on a (common) utility scale enables the relative cost-effectiveness of interventions designed to alleviate obesity to be estimated. ⋯ The EQ-5D, EQ-VAS and SF-6D were in agreement that, relative to a normal BMI, obesity is associated with a lower HRQL, even after controlling for patient characteristics and co-morbidity. These three measures are thereby sensitive to the HRQL effects of obesity and can be used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of interventions designed to alleviate obesity.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Efficacy and safety of topiramate in combination with metformin in the treatment of obese subjects with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
To investigate the efficacy and safety of topiramate in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin. ⋯ Topiramate was effective for weight reduction and improvement in glycemic control in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin monotherapy. Further study in obese diabetics is warranted.