Changes in Gastrointestinal Physiology in Obese Patients / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Obesity is a prevalent disease with significant morbidity and mortality. It is a state of chronic low-grade inflammation due to excess body fat. Weight homeostasis is maintained through changes in various gastrointestinal hormones caused by dietary intake. However, being overweight or obese breaks the balance of these appetite-related gastrointestinal hormones and creates resistance to the actions of these hormones. The sensitivity of vagal afferent neurons to peripheral signals becomes blunted. Cytokines produced by excessive fat tissue damage our normal immune system, making us vulnerable to infection. In addition, various changes in gastrointestinal motility occur. Therefore, this review focuses on the various changes in gastrointestinal hormones, the immune state, the vagus nerve, and gastrointestinal movement in obese patients.