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The obesity paradox and diabetes

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Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Obesity has been proven to be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through numerous pathogenetic mechanisms. Unexpectedly, some studies suggest that subjects with overweight/obesity and T2DM have better clinical outcome than their normal weight peers. This finding is described as “obesity paradox” and calls into question the importance of weight loss in this specific population.

Objective

This article is a narrative overview on the obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly regarding the obesity paradox in T2DM patients.

Methods

We used as sources MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, from inception to March 2020; we chose 30 relevant papers regarding the association of obesity with clinical outcome and mortality of patients affected by T2DM.

Results

Many studies report that in patients with T2DM, overweight and obesity are associated with a better prognosis than underweight or normal weight, suggesting the presence of an obesity paradox. However, these studies have numerous limitations due to their mainly retrospective nature and to numerous confounding factors, such as associated pathologies, antidiabetic treatments, smoking habit, lack of data about distribution of body fat or weight history.

Conclusion

Literature data regarding the phenomenon of obesity paradox in T2DM patients are controversial due to the several limitations of the studies; therefore in the management of patients with overweight/obesity and T2DM is recommended referring to the established guidelines, which indicate diet and physical activity as the cornerstone of the treatment.

Level of evidence

Level V: narrative review.

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  1. Center for Eating Behaviour and Metabolism Disorders, Casa di Cura San Rossore, Pisa, Italy

    Giovanni Gravina & Grazia Nebbiai

  2. Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

    Federica Ferrari

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Gravina, G., Ferrari, F. & Nebbiai, G. The obesity paradox and diabetes. Eat Weight Disord 26, 1057–1068 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-020-01015-1

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