Health Consequences of Weight-Related Disorders

**103**

**Chapter 6**

**Abstract**

surgical complication

is defined as obesity [1].

associated with infection [2].

contributes to increase length of stay [3].

**1. Introduction**

Obesity: A Risk Factor for

*José Alonso Suclla-Velásquez and Connie Smedts*

Obesity is a prevalent health problem all over the world. It is associated with several diseases including infections. It impairs the immune system function by plenty of mechanisms. For instance, leptin and adiponectin are cytokines produced by the adipose tissue, both participating in immunity, but their effects are impaired in obese patients. Moreover, immune cells also show defects in their functions. They produce a pro-inflammatory state and contribute to obesity-related diseases. Innate immune system and adaptive immunity are both impaired in obese patients which causes a poor response to infections. In addition, in surgical site infections (SSI), there are local factors that must be considered. The large adipose panicle and visceral adipose tissue increase the surgical technique difficulty and extend the operative time. Besides, the adipose tissue has poor oxygenation and reduces operative field. It has been proven that obesity is associated to surgical site infection irrespective of type of surgery. However, minimal invasive surgery has demonstrated that

reducing surgical trauma can diminish the risk for surgical site infection.

Nowadays, obesity is a serious health problem which affects all countries irrespective of economic status. It is produced by an energy imbalance, and then there is an increase in body-fat mass. A body mass index (BMI) more than 30 kg/m2

There are plenty of diseases that are linked to obesity; the most common are metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary disease, and hyperlipidemia. Despite not being as well-known as the previous examples, obesity is strongly

Obese patients have a higher risk of nosocomial infections because medical care of these patients requires special procedures, equipment, and staff. Moreover, obese patients are usually immobilized which is a risk factor for decubitus ulcers and

Although there are some controversial studies, an association between caries rates and elevated BMI has been proven. Dietary habits characterized by high consumption of soft drinks, fast food, and refined sugar contribute to dental caries as well as obesity [4]. In addition, it is well-known that severe infections in the face and neck usually have an odontogenic origin and obesity is a risk factor for the infection progression. Besides, an association has been described between the levels

**Keywords:** obesity, surgery, surgical site infection, immune deficiency,

Infection after Surgery

## **Chapter 6**
