The rate of obesity in the United States has surged from 16% in 1995 to the current 34%—and it is projected to reach 61% by 2050. Globally, an estimated 43% of the world’s population live with overweight and 16% live with obesity. While these statistics are not necessarily surprising, a surprising degree of evidence confirms that obesity is not caused by a lack of individual will power. Rather, a confluence of metabolic, biochemical, and psychosocial dysfunction perpetuates an obese state and increases a patient’s risk of cardiovascular and related diseases. The good news is that a more accurate definition, staging system, and understanding of obesity has led to more clinicians viewing it as a chronic multifactorial, neurobehavioral disease and, in turn, discovering new methods for treating it.
In the first part of this issue on “Obesity and the Heart,” our expert authors present excellent overviews of the pathophysiology of obesity and its many impacts on cardiovascular diseases. The following articles explore novel weight management strategies and future possibilities. Collectively, as guest editor Eleanora Avenatti explains, “We hope to raise awareness among the cardiovascular community while offering a primer that providers can use to initiate the conversation with their patients, providing sound scientific recommendations if not direct care.”
I am grateful to Dr. Avenatti for her leadership and guidance on this critically important topic—the first time we’ve covered it in our journal. I also appreciate all the authors who have thoughtfully addressed issues that are complex, sensitive, and vital to clinicians and patients alike.
In addition to the wealth of insights shared here, I remind you of the many topics you can find in the Journal archives. You also will find several learning resources in our Special Collections of videos, case reports, and interactive CME cases. And we invite you to submit case reports, as well. If you haven’t already signed up to receive our e-newsletter, be sure to subscribe now.
Miguel A. Quiñones, MD, MACC, FASE
Editor-in-Chief
Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal
Winters Family Distinguished Centennial Chair
in Cardiovascular Education, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center