Rethinking weight loss treatments as cardiovascular medicine in obesity, a comprehensive review

Abstract

The global escalation of obesity has made it a worldwide health concern, notably as a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Extensive evidence corroborates its association with a range of cardiac complications, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and heightened vulnerability to sudden cardiac events. Additionally, obesity contributes to the emergence of other cardiovascular risk factors including dyslipidaemia, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep disorders, further amplifying the predisposition to CVD. To adequately address CVD in patients with obesity, it is crucial to first understand the pathophysiology underlying this link. We herein explore these intricate mechanisms, including adipose tissue dysfunction, chronic inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and alterations in the gut microbiome.Recent guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology underscore the pivotal role of diagnosing and treating obesity to prevent CVD. However, the intricate relationship between obesity and CVD poses significant challenges in clinical practice: the presence of obesity can impede accurate CVD diagnosis while optimizing the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments or cardiac procedures requires meticulous adjustment, and it is crucial that cardiologists acknowledge the implications of excessive weight while striving to enhance outcomes for the vulnerable population affected by obesity. We, therefore, sought to overcome controversial aspects in the clinical management of heart disease in patients with overweight/obesity and present evidence on cardiometabolic outcomes associated with currently available weight management interventions, with the objective of equipping clinicians with an evidence-based approach to recognize and address CVD risks associated with obesity.

Keywords: Anti obesity medication; Cardiometabolic risk; Cardiovascular disease; Cardiovascular outcomes; Chronic inflammation; Obesity pharmacotherapy.