title: Obesity. Part I--Pathogenesis.
abstract: Obesity--defined by a body mass index above 30 kg per m2--is a major problem for affluent nations. Its prevalence is higher in North America than in Europe--between 9% and 12% of the population. Reduced energy expenditure from exercise or metabolism or both may be an important contributory factor in the development of obesity because of a failure to reduce food intake sufficiently to maintain energy balance. A high ratio of abdominal circumference relative to gluteal circumference carries a twofold or greater risk of heart attack, stroke, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, gallbladder disease, and death. The effect of increased quantities of abdominal fat is greater than that of a similar increase in total body fat on the risks of ill health associated with obesity. Genetic factors appear to contribute about 25% to its etiology.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Bray
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Gray
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D001823:Body Composition; D001835:Body Weight; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors