Effects of Weight Loss With Orlistat on Glucose Tolerance and Progression to Type 2 Diabetes in Obese Adults

Top Cited Papers
Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
MORE THAN 50% of Americans are overweight or obese, with 20% classified as obese (body mass index [BMI] [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters] [BMI] ≥30), according to recently established National Institutes of Health body weight guidelines.1 An important consequence of excessive adiposity is type 2 diabetes mellitus,2,3 a condition that is associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity.4 Furthermore, the incidence and prevalence of obesity and diabetes are increasing worldwide, especially in developing and newly industrialized nations. The estimated 80 million persons with diabetes in 1990 is expected to double by the year 2000, becoming a global epidemic, and the major part of the increase will occur in developing countries.3 Over 12 million Americans are now overweight or obese and have type 2 diabetes.3