The prevalence of obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2, is increasing to epidemic proportions. In 2014, 11% of men and 15% of women worldwide were obese. Thus, more than... Show moreThe prevalence of obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2, is increasing to epidemic proportions. In 2014, 11% of men and 15% of women worldwide were obese. Thus, more than half a billion adults worldwide are classed as obese. The fundamental cause of obesity is an imbalance between energy intake (excessive intake of energy-dense foods) and energy expenditure (reduced physical activity). People with obesity are at risk for a range of chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Furthermore, obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, which is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of diabetes in 2014 was estimated to be 9%, of which 90% was comprised of type 2 diabetes. This thesis focuses on cardiovascular and cerebral dimensions and function in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. State-of-the-art imaging techniques are used to investigate links between the heart, liver, abdominal fat, and brain to elucidate parts of the complex relationships between these organs. Show less
Early identification of patients with subclinical cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease manifestation is highly relevant as organ damage might still be reversible. Imaging can be used for... Show moreEarly identification of patients with subclinical cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease manifestation is highly relevant as organ damage might still be reversible. Imaging can be used for risk stratification and optimizing individual prevention and treatment strategies in patients with metabolic syndrome. This thesis evaluates MR and CT imaging techniques for identifying risk factors and subclinical disease in metabolic syndrome. Show less
Gast, K.B.; Heijer, M. den; Smit, J.W.A.; Widya, R.L.; Lamb, H.J.; Roos, A. de; ... ; NEO Study Grp 2015
