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'Obesity paradox': Extra weight linked to better outcomes for septic shock, asthma exacerbation

Date:
October 22, 2012
Source:
American College of Chest Physicians
Summary:
Although obesity is linked to a variety of health risks, new research indicates that obese patients may have an advantage over non-obese patients in certain health situations, including septic shock and acute asthma exacerbation.
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Although obesity is linked to a variety of health risks, new research indicates that obese patients may have an advantage over nonobese patients in certain health situations, including septic shock and acute asthma exacerbation.

In two separate studies presented at CHEST 2012, the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians, researchers compared outcomes in obese (BMI >30) vs nonobese patients with either septic shock or acute asthma exacerbation. Results showed that, although obese patients with asthma are more at risk for asthma exacerbations, near fatal exacerbations were more prevalent in nonobese patients.

Likewise, obese patients with septic shock had decreased mortality compared with nonobese patients. Researchers attribute this "obesity paradox" partly to a blunted pro-inflammatory cytokine response in obese patients.


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Materials provided by American College of Chest Physicians. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


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American College of Chest Physicians. "'Obesity paradox': Extra weight linked to better outcomes for septic shock, asthma exacerbation." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 22 October 2012. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121022080934.htm>.
American College of Chest Physicians. (2012, October 22). 'Obesity paradox': Extra weight linked to better outcomes for septic shock, asthma exacerbation. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121022080934.htm
American College of Chest Physicians. "'Obesity paradox': Extra weight linked to better outcomes for septic shock, asthma exacerbation." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121022080934.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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