Diet and obesity:: Investigations in the MONICA/KORA studies

The prevalence of obesity is growing alarmingly in numerous countries. The consequences of this development for health and economy are important, since obesity is associated with many diseases, especially those of the cardiovascular system and diabetes. in the framework of the MONICA/KORA project four independent samples of the population of the Augsburg region were examined in 1984/85 (S1), 1989/90 (S2),1994/95 (S3) and 1999/ 01 (S4). The aim was to analyse, whether the prevalence of obesity increased during that period, and whether there were changes in dietary behaviour. Moreover, associations of obesity with lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors and with the incidence of myocardial infarction and diabetes have been examined. The prevalence of obesity increased in men and women, but most pronounced in younger women. In men, aged 45 to 64 years, a positive tendency towards a healthier dietary behaviour was observed from S1 to S3. Obesity could be identified as a very important risk factor for diabetes in Augsburg. In the prospective MONICA/KORA studies the analysis of the determinants of obesity will be a main aspect of our future study goals.