Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of mortality in men and women.
Currently, two thirds of US adults are overweight or obese. CVD and obesity are closely
linked and together take a substantial toll on the health of individuals and the community.
It is creating a growing burden on public health and financial difficulties in both
personal and institutional funding of health care. A review of recent scientific literature
reveals that modest weight loss of 5% to 10% ameliorates cardiometabolic risk factors
and improves health outcomes. To date, successful weight-loss interventions have been
elusive. The choice of weight-loss medications is limited, and the risks of surgical
intervention demand that this option be reserved for those patients with extreme obesity.
Research has elucidated an improved understanding of the mechanisms leading to obesity
and disease. The potential role of hormones, such as leptin and adiponectin, in altering
metabolism and vascular disease is better understood. The endocannabinoid system is
now recognized as a potentially viable pathway to modulate appetite and energy, lipid,
and glucose metabolism.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 22, 2007
Accepted:
October 12,
2007
Received:
October 10,
2007
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
