THE IMPACT OF OBESITY ON CRITICAL ILLNESSES

In the last few decades, obesity became one of the world's greatest health challenges reaching a size of global epidemic in virtually all socioeconomic statuses and all age groups. Obesity is a risk factor for many health problems and as its prevalence gradually increases is becoming a significant economic and health burden. In this manuscript we describe how normal respiratory and cardiovascular physiology is altered by obesity. We review past and current literature to describe how obesity affects outcomes of patients facing critical illnesses and discuss some controversies related to this topic.

Automated summary

Obesity has become a major global health challenge, affecting not only health but also bringing economic burdens. This manuscript discusses how obesity alters normal physiology and impacts the outcomes of critically ill patients.