gms | German Medical Science

Throughout the world the prevalence of overweight (BMI 25,0 – 29,9) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30) is rising, and in both the developed market economies as well as in transitional and developing economies it has reached epidemic proportions. Due to varying definitions of overweight and obesity, and differences in the assessment procedures of body height and weight, comparisons over time and across countries should, however, only be made with caution. Nevertheless, the data available allow us to acquire a relatively clear picture of the epidemic. Today, about 1 billion adults are considered to be overweight and 300 million are obese [Science]. Apart from for the very old and the very young, all age groups and both genders are affected. Current trends indicate a further rise in prevalence for the forthcoming years.

Numerous descriptive epidemiologic data are available today which report on the current status of the obesity epidemic from a global, regional or national perspective. In addition, data on past and future trends, as well on the impact of the epidemic in terms of disease burden and economic cost, have been published. This presentation will highlight some of the most important figures concerning the obesity epidemic worldwide, in the US, Europe and in Germany, with respect to the current status, past and future trends, as well as the epidemic’s impact, and will address both childhood and adult obesity.