Adipositas: Klinische Bedeutung und Pathophysiologie. Eine ernährungsmitbedingte Erkrankung als eigenständigens Krankheitsbild

During the past, nutrition-conditioned diseases and, in particular, obesity and its attendant symptoms, have gained importance. The article offers an overview of the causes of overweight and indicates pathophysiological correlations that are presently discussed in connection with obesity-conditioned health problems. Main causes of obesity are a lack of physical activity and a changes in the composition of foodstuffs. Corpulent persons are more likely to be affected by diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. A consistent change in the way of life, inclusive of long-term weight loss, can eliminate or reduce attendant symptoms, improve the quality of life and increase life expectancy.