Obesity as a Risk Factor for Disease Development: Part-I Cardiovascular Diseases and Renal Failure

Abstract

Background: Obesity was a global healthcare problem with increase in incidence with time. Reported studies suggest an association between obesity and development of some diseases. Aim: To clarify if there was an association between obesity and development of some diseases in an Iraqi population. Materials and Method: A review of 3 studies which included 462 patients were performed and to compared to 342 subjects as control group. Body Mass Index [BMI], age and odd ratio mean values were determined in both groups. BMI calculated by dividing the weight in kilogram by height square in meter. Results: Odd ratio indicated a significant association between obesity as determined by BMI and development of hypertension (P<0.0001), cardiovascular disease (P<0.001), and renal failure (P<0.001). Conclusion: Obesity may be a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases and renal failure.