[Epidemiology of obesity]

Today, obesity has already reached endemic proportions in the industrialised nations and will be the major health problem of the century. Worldwide, almost half a billion people are overweight or obese. In Austria, the prevalence of obesity amongst adults is 9.1%, irrespective of gender, but dependent on age, social status, level of education and geographical location. In children and juveniles, the proportion of obesity lies between 4.5% and 7.5% and the trend is increasing. In light of the epidemiological situation and the risks of accompanying and consequential illnesses, it is particularly important that in the future, awareness of the problem is increased, public health strategies are developed, prevention measures targeting specific groups are accelerated and professional therapy is offered to those affected.