title: [Obesity, a disease].
abstract: Obesity has been considered as a disease by the World Health Organisation since 1997. It was previously considered a simple risk factor and a manifestation of consumer society. This recognition was based on several developments, including epidemiological data showing the worldwide spread of the disease; the increasing health expenditure due to the obesity-related increase in type 2 diabetes; and progress in pathophysiological concepts. Obesity is a chronic and progressive disease. Management approaches range from prevention to surgery, and must be adapted to the individual situation.
authors.affiliation: Pôle endocrinologie, diabètologie, nutrition, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrère, 47 bid de l'Hôpital, 75651 Paris cedex 13. arnaud.basdevant@psl.aphp.fr
authors.forename: Arnaud
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Basdevant
authors.forename: Cécile
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ciangura
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D015897:Comorbidity; D017281:Cost of Illness; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D019049:Developed Countries; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology; D018450:Disease Progression; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D014943:Global Health; D006295:Health Resources / Q000600:supply & distribution; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009765:Obesity / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D015995:Prevalence
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones