Obesity is a significant risk factor of several serious physical diseases. It is also known as the epidemic of the third millennium. As to the number of obese people, the Czech Republic ranks foremost among European countries, with 21% obese men and 31% obese women. If we add the overweight and obese together, we get the following alarming figures: 68% of the female population and as much as 72% of the male population. The incidence of obesity and excessive weight in our country exceeds the European average.

Symptoms
The ratio between weight and height, characterised by the BMI index (Body Mass Index) is important. If its value falls below 20, this indicates malnutrition. BMI between 20 and 25 is considered to be the normal state ideal for healthy living. BMI ranging from 25 to 30 is termed excessive weight, and BMI over 30 is designated as obesity. This division is very approximate and it cannot be adhered to completely. For example, in the case of professional athletes, this division cannot be applied. A far more important indicator is the ratio between fat and muscle mass.

Causes
Obesity develops through the interaction of genetic and external factors. Naturally, there exist certain periods that are very significant for the development of obesity- in women this involves pregnancy and the following period, menopause, and adolescence. The general factors involved mainly include stress and periods with decreased physical activity- starting a new job, starting a family, personal or work-related problems, end of sports activities, retirement.

The factor that plays the most important role in obesity is the relationship between energy intake and output. This disparity may be due to two causes, excessive intake of energy in the form of food, or small output of energy in the form of physical activity. In most cases, the causes of obesity are a combination of both aforementioned factors.

In minimally 50% of cases, obesity is given genetically, with genetic predispositions representing a significant factor. If both parents are obese, the probability of the same problem affecting their child is 80%. This disadvantage can be changed, though, by striving even more to adhere to correct dietary habits and to ensure adequate physical activity. The organism’s energy demands are determined by body weight, gender and degree of physical activity. Nonetheless, there exist various, principally genetically coded factors that affect the energy equilibrium. This means that obesity may occur even in persons who really do not consume more than other people. They probably exert less physical activity and in view of their inherent predispositions they must take more care of their diet.

Despite the prevailing view that obesity is due to an illness, disease plays a role in its development only in 1% of cases. Among disease that may affect the development of obesity, we include especially decreased function of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and increased levels of adrenal cortex hormones (Cushing’s syndrome). Certain drugs that may increase appetite may play a role in the development of excess weight or obesity. These drugs mainly include certain antidepressants, neuroleptics (psychiatric medication), tranquilisers, glucocorticoids (hormonal drugs- hormones of the adrenal cortex) and gestagens (a type of female hormone).

Prevention
The only possible recommendation is a healthy, balanced diet and adequate physical activity.

Treatment
In the first place, the intake of energy rich food must be decreased and the intake of natural fibres (fruit, vegetables, fibre preparations) must be increased. It is important to divide the intake of energy throughout the day, which is why when losing weight we eat smaller portions more frequently. We try to eat slowly and to concentrate on our food. We pay attention to adequate hydration, preferring low energy drinks (tea, mineral water). We restrict the consumption of alcoholic drinks, which are also rich in energy. We supplement the intake of vitamins and minerals. It is implicit to have enough exercise and physical work. Another important factor is our psyche- one must not lack motivation, one must have the will to change one’s lifestyle. For those determined to adhere to the dietary measures, certain drugs that decrease appetite or the absorption of fats in the intestines and that have shown positive effects in weight reduction may be prescribed upon consultation of the physician.

GenScan
GenScan analyses especially those genes that play a role in the metabolism of lipids and thus affect the risk of developing obesity.