FOOD-CONSUMPTION HABITS IN GERMANY - THE CLINICIAN POINT-OF-VIEW

Findings of the Nationale Verzehrstudie and Verbundstudie, Ernahrungse rhebung und Risikofaktorenanalytik studies are discussed in light of t heir clinical signiiicance. Obesity increases the statistical risk of developing a number of diseases, of which the most important are cardi ovascular morbidity and mortality. Obesity causes insulin resistance a nd plays a part in the development of the metabolic syndrome. The Verb undstudie, Ernahrungserhebung und Risikofaktorenanalytik survey shows that in the mid-1980s roughly one third of the German population was o verweight. However, criteria for defining the overweight condition are variable. Overall data in Germany are comparable to those of several other population surveys, but regional increases are observed. Analysi s of dietary intakes shows a marked deviation from recommended nutriti onal standards, especially in the distribution of total caloric intake as carbohydrate (42.8%) and fat (38.4%). Almost 9% of the population derived more than 20% of their energy intake from snacks. The data can not provide a full explanation as to why people become fat. This may b e due to the well-known problem of underrating and underreporting inta kes, particularly by obese subjects. Copyright (C) 1995 by W.B. Saunde rs Company