At a glance: Pancreatitis and Obesity

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas, involving tissue injury and necrosis leading to variable degrees of glandular dysfunction. The capricious nature of AP begins at the diverse factors contributing to the development of pancreatitis and extends into the disease process with regards to complications or resolution. The global pooled incidence of AP averages at 34 cases per 100,000 general population per year with no gender differences, however, geographical variability in incidence remains fairly inadequate due to the limited research performed in this area. In 2011, a study done in Japan facilitates in highlighting the emergency that AP presents with a 180% increase over a decade in its diagnosis1.