[Ten questions on the causes and consequences of obesity: stress hormones]

In Switzerland, 6% of men and 5% of women are obese (BMI > 30); 33% of men and 17% of women are overweight (BMI 25-30). Both genetic and environmental factors are responsible for obesity. There is an increased risk of C-V disease, diabetes and steato-hepatitis in abdominal obesity (abdominal circumference > 102 cm for men and > 88 cm for women). There is also an increased level of cortisol, which could be due to a difficulty to cope with psycho-social stress. Leptine and different hormones play a role in fat storage. Menopause and pregnancy are moderate risk factors for obesity. Weight gain may also result from different drugs, smoking cessation and stress. Eating disorders such as boulimia and binge eating must be diagnosed and treated. Beneficial health effect of weight loss is analysed.