Physicians define severe overweight as obesity or adiposity. The causes for obesity and the associated diseases (sequelae) are manifold. Sequelae can develop already in children. About one quater of the German population is obese with a body-mass-index over 30 kg/sqm.
The latin term adiposity means severe or morbid overweight. In English usually the term obesity is being used. An increasing overweight is associated with a growing risk for many diseases.
Adiposity is a disease with many different causes and influences. Genetic, biological, neurobiological, psychological and social factors as well as the living environment can play a role.
Adiposity and a growing body-mass-index increase the risk of complications and associated secondary diseases (sequelae). Malicious is, that these illnesses begin without symptoms or pain.
Supernutrition and a lack of physical activity are the main causses for overweight and adiposity (obesity) in young people. Genetic, hormonal, or psychosocial factors can contribute to the overweight.
More than half of the adults in Germany are overweight and nearly one quater is even obese (adipose). About 15 percent of children and adolescents are too heavy, and 6 percent are severly overweight.
Obesity is a disease with many facets. Diverse research projects scrutinze the causes, associated diseases, therapies, and prevention. Here one can find information on all aspects of obesity.
