Obesity Primer for the Practicing Gastroenterologist

With worsening of the obesity pandemic, gastroenterologists will see more patients with this chronic disease. Given the association between obesity and several gastrointestinal conditions and the interplay between obesity pathophysiology and gut hormones, gastroenterologists can play an important role in themanagement of this disease. Furthermore, becausemore patients undergo bariatric surgery, an understanding of postsurgical anatomy andmedical and endoscopic management of bariatric surgical complications is essential. This article provides clinical tools for the assessment and management of obesity for the general gastroenterologist. Tables containing high-yield practical information are also provided for quick reference.

Automated summary

As the obesity pandemic worsens, gastroenterologists will encounter more obese patients. They can play an important role in managing obesity by understanding the relationship between obesity and gastrointestinal conditions, as well as the interaction between obesity pathophysiology and gut hormones. Additionally, knowledge of post-surgical anatomy and medical/endoscopic management of bariatric surgical complications is essential due to the increasing number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery.