Gastrointestinal system and obesity.

Several significant changes occur in the gastrointestinal system with obesity that can effect management in critical illness. This population is at risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), abdominal compartment syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and an increased incidence of cholelithiasis. It is important for critical care providers to be aware of these potential complicating factors.