DOI: 10.36347/sasjm.2015.v01i02.001

Pages: Page: 45-53

Abstract: Obesity is a substantial public-health crisis in the developed world and the prevalence is increasing rapidly in numerous developing nations worldwide. This growing rate represents a pandemic that needs urgent attention if its potential morbidity, mortality, and economic tolls are to be avoided. Adipose tissue is an active endocrine and paracrine organ that releases a large number of cytokines and bioactive mediators, such as leptin, adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), that influence not only body weight homeostasis but also insulin resistance, diabetes, lipid levels, tension, coagulation, fibrinolysis, inflammation and atherosclerosis.