Obesity

Obesity is an important determinant of cardiovascular disease (CVD).Previous epidemiological studies of obesity have documented a modest association of obesity and risk of CVD, especially in younger age groups.The study of obesity and CVD should now focus on weight change over time, especially differences between childhood versus younger and older adult weight gains, and the distribution of body fat, especially visceral or intra-abdominal fat.Weight gain during young adult life may be one of the most important determinants of cardiovascular risk factors.Increased intraabdominal fat, or waist circumference, is probably related to a constellation of risk factors, the so-called insulin resistance syndrome.It is also associated with higher levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and fibrinogen.