Normal weight in Germany becomes a rarity

Will normal weight be the exception in Germany? The majority of Germans have weight problems

07/10/2011

Fewer and fewer people in Germany are of normal weight. Yesterday, the 27th Annual Meeting of the German Obesity Society is under the theme „Obesity in the first half of life“ started. Increasing numbers of adolescents have been suffering from significant weight problems over the past decade „In addition to the genetic disposition, environmental factors set the course for individual weight development very early on“, founded the German Obesity Society (DAG) its current focus.

According to the DAG today, the majority of Germans suffer from weight problems - normal weight are clearly in the minority. For those affected, it would be with each kilogram too much on the ribs increasingly difficult to regain control of their own weight, said the experts at yesterday's kick-off of the DAG Annual Meeting. According to the DAG, adults, in particular, have significant difficulties in sustainably reducing their weight again. Only one in ten of them manage to maintain their low weight after a diet or therapy. However, chances are much better for adolescents, according to the statement made at the 27th Annual Meeting of the DAG in Bochum.

An eighth of the children is struggling with weight problems
As the experts reported on the first day of the DAG event, the chance for children to lower their weight through therapy and targeted training, with a 50 percent chance of success, is significantly higher than that of adults, so that more attention should be paid as early as adolescence. The prerequisite for this is that parents should also be involved, emphasized conference president Prof. Thomas Reinehr of the Datteln Children's and Youth Clinic, adding that appropriate therapeutic approaches should be significantly intensified, as the development is alarming for the children as well. According to the expert, the number of adipose children has more than doubled in the past ten years and about six percent of adolescents are now obese. Even every eighth child is struggling with general weight problems. Here parents, educators and doctors are increasingly encouraged to take action against the disproportionate weight gain of adolescents. According to Prof. Reinehr, there is reason for hope in the expansion of all-day schools, as school canteens have a significant influence on the eating habits of children.

Impending health problems
The problem of obesity is relatively widespread among children and adolescents, but according to the DAG experts, adults between the ages of 20 and 50 are particularly affected. During this lifespan, the Germans take on average 15 kilograms, said the DAG President Prof. Hans Hauner. Overall, 60 percent of men and 50 percent of women in this country are overweight or obese, whereby in addition to the genetic predisposition, the environmental influences, the nutritional and physical activity is attributed a significant influence. A third of obese people suffer from a loss of control during eating, which makes them independent regulation of their weight virtually impossible, according to the experts. Since the overweight in the long term significant health impairments such as an increased risk of diabetes, dementia (especially Alzheimer's), cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer are accompanied, urged the DAG at their annual meeting urgently to take countermeasures. Also, due to the overweight, the risk of hypertension, back pain and other orthopedic disorders. The previous projects, such as comprehensive exercise initiatives, are not enough to sustainably reduce the proportion of obese people. According to the DAG president, new approaches to reducing obesity must also be considered. Thus, the conference president 2011, Prof. Thomas Reinehr, connects the wish with the current events, „In addition to interesting current research priorities in obesity research to set accents in the psychosocial approach to obesity.“

Fat tax as a measure against obesity?
Overall, the situation in Germany according to DAG is relatively questionable. Thus Germany stands in the European comparison in the overweight in the upper quarter, said DAG President Hauner. In Scandinavian countries, the situation is much better, while many southern European countries are struggling with even more significant problems, Hauner continued. According to the DAG, the fact that the population in the Scandinavian states is suffering less from overweight is also due to the fact that there is more counteraction from the state. For example, there is a so-called "fat tax" in Denmark, while Germany is already struggling with a reasonable food labeling, criticized the DAG expert. (Fp)

Read about:
OECD: Every sixth German is obese
Constant light creates overweight
Strong overweight increased dramatically worldwide
Ten percent of new school students are overweight
Slim and happy with homeopathy?
Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic

Image: Thommy Weiss