Heterogeneity of obesity and the main pathogenetic factors of its development (a review of resources)

Introduction. Among medical and social problems, obesity (Ob) occupies one of the leading places. This is related to the established pathogenetic connection of Ob with type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, acute vascular events, dementia, osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea and some forms of cancer. Ob is also associated with social problems and reduced work capacity. Despite numerous studies on the study of Ob, a number of unresolved issues and controversial points of view remain. The aim – is to analyze the currently existing data on the heterogeneity of Ob and the main pathogenetic factors of its development based on the study of literary sources, mainly for a period of 10 years. Materials and methods – an electronic search was carried out in MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science databases using the keywords "obesity", "obesity heterogeneity", "obesity etiopathogenesis" with subsequent analysis of literature sources published mainly in the last 10 years. The results. To date, there is no single universally accepted classification of Ob, and those currently used in clinical practice and during scientific research are based on one or another criterion. Such criteria include etiopathogenetic factors, type of adipose tissue deposition, degree of weight gain, etc. The use of bioimpedancemetry became the basis for the assertion about the heterogeneity of Ob with the selection of its separate forms, namely: metabolically healthy Ob; metabolic Ob with normal body weight, sarcopenic and metabolically unhealthy Ob. Despite the lack of clear diagnostic criteria for each of these forms, their differences in clinical course, pathogenetic factors of development and degree of cardiovascular risk have been established. Considering the indicated heterogeneity, the selection of the leading etiological factor of Ob remains a rather controversial and difficult issue. The exceptions, obviously, should include cases of the secondary form of this pathology, when Ob is one of the symptoms and is pathogenetically related to the underlying disease. In general, it is believed that, being hereditary, Ob is the result of the interaction between genetic, hormonal-metabolic, behavioral and environmental factors. Conclusions. Ob is a chronic multifactorial and heterogeneous disease, the individual clinical forms of which differ in the course and level of metabolic disorders. Etiopathogenetic factors of the development and progression of Ob are multifactorial and include genetic predisposition, factors of the external and internal environment, eating behavior and hormonal and metabolic shifts. According to the data obtained today regarding the heterogeneity of Ob and the pathogenetic mechanisms of its development, a new generally accepted characteristic and classification of this pathology should be accepted.