PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND THERAPY OF OBESITY

Excessive dietary intake and obesity belong to the most frequent healt h-disturbances. The deathrate as well as the risk for arteriosclerotic alterations of the vessels and the resulting consequences depend on t he regional fat-distribution. Modifications of body-composition and lo ss of body fat can be controlled by means of the bioelectric-impedance analysis (BIA). Weight reduction should be based primarily on dietary measures. Energy-reduced diets containing sufficient amounts of prote in and complex carbohydrates as well as dietary fiber should be prefer ed to fasting. In case of medical treatment, drugs which influence the serotonin metabolism are more advantageous than amphetamine-derivates . Other therapies include enzyme-inhibitors and non-digestive food add itivs. Due to high complication rates, surgery should only be consider s in desperate cases.