Is being overweight a disease? Physicians urge action plan against obesity

Fighting morbid obesity: Obesity is not recognized as a disease
More and more people worldwide are suffering from overweight and obesity. In Germany alone, around seven million patients are treated for obesity every year. Nevertheless, morbid obesity is not recognized as a disease in this country. Experts call for more commitment.

Strong overweight endangers the health
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1.9 billion people worldwide are overweight. Germany is getting fatter, too. This can be dangerous: In addition to the psychosocial effects of obesity (adiposity) lead especially their secondary diseases to a strong reduction in quality of life and duration. Experts have now called for a National Obesity Action Plan in the fight against morbid obesity.

The number of extremely overweight people in Germany is increasing. However, obesity is not recognized as a disease in this country. Experts are now calling for a national obesity action plan. (Image: MartesiaBezuidenhout / fotolia.com)

Not recognized as a disease
"A basic problem is that obesity in Germany and many other countries as a disease is not recognized," said the President of the German Obesity Society Matthias Blüher, according to a message from the news agency dpa.

And although, extreme obesity is responsible for 20 to 40 sequelae.

Thus, obesity is a risk factor for vascular and cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease or atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis).

In addition, it increases the risk of joint wear (osteoarthritis), fatty liver, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

Reduce weight with more exercise
According to health experts, even a minimal weight loss would have a significant positive impact.

In addition to a healthy, low-calorie and low-fat diet, sport would be very helpful here. This not only burns calories, but drives out the constant hunger, as British researchers reported.

The European Obesity Day, which takes place annually on the third Saturday in May (2017: May 20), will be celebrated for the seventh time this year. Around the day of action, attention is drawn to the dangers and treatment options of severe obesity.

According to Blüher, who runs an obesity outpatient clinic at the University of Leipzig, the group of extremely overweight adults is growing in Germany. (Ad)