Overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence

Obesity is one of the most important health problems in Western countries and recent reports have shown an alarming increase in its prevalence among children, adolescents and adults. In Germany, childhood obesity has increased by at least 50% since 1976. A recent German study with more than 17,000 children and adolescents has shown that 15% are obese and that 6.3% suffer from adiposity. As demonstrated during follow-up studies, obese children tend to become obese adults and they are at increased risk to several acute and chronic diseases such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, cancer, gout, psychosocial disability and musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, the prevention of obesity must start in childhood. However, some studies have shown, that only about 20% of obese children are recognized and treated by health care providers.