Health Effects of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

 The prevalence of obesity in the general population continues to rise at alarming rates regardless of age, gender, or cultural differences. In general, the risk of comorbidities increases as the degree of obesity increases. Numerous health consequences have been linked to obesity, including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cancers, as well as many other chronic conditions. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex constellation of chronic illnesses associated with central obesity, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidemias, and chronic inflammation, and it is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While not all obese people display the typical findings associated with MetS, all obese people appear to be at increased risk for negative health effects. Of great concern are the potential long-term health effects on the pediatric population.