Thyroid disease is common-ly screened for in this population, but in otherwise asymptomatic patients, it is an uncommon finding. The ancient Greeks realized that obesity was a health risk. Hippo-crates wrote about lean people having fewer incidences of sudden death than obese individuals. Each pound of fat represents approximately 3500 calories of stored energy. Often the visual perspective is enough to promote curiosity.
Skin fold determinations also are an accurate way to assess an estimated percentage of body fat.
Other modalities, including densitometry, ultrasound, and CAT scans have been used to assess this disease. The medical risks associated with this disease are legion. LVH and cardiac dilatation also are associated with obesity. Hypertension is three times more common in the obese population. Some studies correlate obesity with lipid abnormalities.