Principles of Critical Care, 3e > Part XI. Special Problems in Critical Care > Chapter 109. The Obesity Epidemic and Critical Care Brian Gehlbach,  John P. Kress

Key Points

"An ever-increasing percentage of the inhabitants of developed countries is obese or overweight. This trend includes men and women and spans all age groups, including children. Obesity is associated with diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and cancer and confers a reduced life expectancy, particularly in younger and severely obese individuals. Extreme obesity is frequently associated with life-threatening cardiopulmonary disease and presents substantial obstacles to the delivery of routine care. We present a summary of the challenges inherent in the care of the morbidly obese critically ill patient and highlight physiological principles important to the care of such patients...."