Targeting abdominal obesity in diabetes

SUMMARY  Over recent years, there has been a better understanding of the role of that visceral adipose tissue plays in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Studies have consistently demonstrated that intra-abdominal fat accumulation, in other words, abdominal obesity is independently associated with Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and the metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, evidence supports the view that visceral adipose tissue is more closely associated with obesity related co-morbidities and mortality, compared with the total body adipose tissue (subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue). The management of abdominal obesity involves a multidisciplinary team approach. Active healthy life style is a key in preventing obesity epidemic. Surgical intervention has become part of obesity treatment.