[Complex analysis of the actual nutrition and nutritional conditions in the GDR]

In the GDR the nutritional balance is characterized by an excessive consumption of fats and also a slight deficiency of some mineral substances and vitamins. The consumption of food products, the calorific intake and that of nutrients depend upon the sociological structure of the society (workers, employees, collective farmers, pensioners) on the socio-economic factors (income, the household size, number of family members) and upon biological parameters. With greater expenditures on alimentation the actual nutritional pattern generally does not improve. In the GDR 20 per cent of males and 40 per cent women suffer from obesity. From among factors influencing the nutritional status subject to consideration are the sex, age, physical activity and body constitution. Model analyses carried out in GDR helped obtain some indications as to the alimentary habits in people with normal and excessive weight.