Obesity: pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges and multidisciplinary treatment

Symposium
Chairs: J. Verbraecken (Edegem (Antwerp), Belgium), W. Randerath (Solingen, Germany)
Aims: to enhance understanding of the impact of obesity on whole-body systems and functions; to enhance understanding of the pathophysiology of ventilatory failure in obesity and to describe various therapeutic approaches in obesity including ventilation and non-positive airway pressure therapies.

Systemic inflammation and endocrinologic/metabolic implications of obesity A. Borel (Grenoble, France)
Exercise testing in obesity and sleep apnoea J. Neder (Kingston (ON), Canada)
Normocapnia in obstructive sleep apnoea versus hypoventilation in obesity: respiratory drive makes the difference A. Piper (Camperdown (NSW), Australia)
Positive airway pressure, non-invasive ventilation, exercise and surgery: which treatment for which phenotype? N. Hart (London, United Kingdom)