[Obesity--significance in adolescence and for reproduction]

According to the actual knowledge obesity is a serious, nutrition-dependent pathology with a high number of consequences. Endocrine sequence of obesity such as PCO-HAIR-syndrome (polycystic ovarian syndrome, hyperandrogenemia-insulin-resistance) with its cycle disorders and sterility are beginning already in adolescent and women of young reproductive age. With ageing more serious risks such as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), arteriosclerosis followed by coronary disease, stroke and hypertension, metabolic syndrome and a higher prevalence of malignant diseases will appear. Based on these five risks obesity should be treated early when therapeutic strategies are more successful than in older ages. The definition of a diagnosis and the beginning of a weight reduction programme combined with intense motivating treatment as well as medical and psychotherapeutic guidance is an important preventive contribution.