The Role of Obesity as a Cardiac Disease Risk Factor in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Purpose of review: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally and is closely associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review examines the interplay between obesity, T2DM, and CVD, highlighting the increasing prevalence and economic burden of these conditions.

Recent findings: Pharmacologic therapies, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, show promise in substantial weight loss and subsequent reduction of adverse cardiovascular events in obese individuals with and without diabetes. Obesity significantly contributes to the development of insulin resistance and T2DM, further escalating CVD risk. The common co-occurrence of these three conditions may involve several other pathophysiological mechanisms, such as chronic inflammation, increased visceral adiposity, and endothelial dysfunction. Until recently, lifestyle modifications and bariatric surgery had been the primary methods for weight loss and mitigating obesity-associated cardiovascular risk. Newer pharmacological options have led to a paradigm shift in our approach to obesity management as they provide substantial benefits in weight loss, glycemic control, and cardiovascular risk reduction.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Diabetes Mellitus; Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist; Obesity; Weight loss.