Separating wheat from chaff: Examining the obesity paradox in the critically ill

Abstract

Obesity is an increasing burden globally. In the general population, the obese have an increased mortality risk. Regarding the critically ill, a growing body of literature supports the obesity paradox, the notion that obesity confers a protective effect in certain disease states. However, the paucity of methodologically sound trials prevents definitive interpretation and may obscure risks. © 2013 BioMed Central Ltd.