Obesity has been shown to adversely affect pulmonary function through several well-described mechanisms, making it an independent risk factor for diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obstructive sleep apnea, according to University of Vermont pulmonologist Dr Anne Dixon.
The relationship between obesity and pulmonary disease is not often acknowledged by endocrinologists when they treat patients with obesity, says endocrinologist Dr Anne Peters of University of Southern California. Similarly, pulmonologists tend to focus on pulmonary diseases without considering effects on diabetes and weight loss. As a result of this siloed approach, patients with diabetes, obesity, and pulmonary disease may not receive optimal treatment.
In this panel ReCAP, Dr Dixon and Dr Peters discuss how a cooperative approach to weight loss and pulmonary disease management would benefit patients facing these two intertwined conditions. They also discuss how new therapies to treat diabetes and weight loss may benefit patients with obesity and pulmonary disease.
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Cite this: Pulmonary Risk Factors in Patients With Obesity - Medscape - Nov 21, 2023.
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