Overweight / Obesity


The prevalence of overweight (OW) /obesity (OB) in children and adolescents has increased dramatically worldwide and in some countries, such as Greece, it has resulted to a major public health concern. According to a previous study, the prevalence of OW including OB in a representative sample of adolescents, aged 13-19 years (14 456 adolescents) throughout the whole of Greece, was very high (30%). It is now known that obesity is related to a number of co morbidities that will have profound public health consequences, as overweight children become overweight adults. Certain co morbidities, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, steatohepatitis, that used to be considered "adult diseases", are now seen in obese children and adolescents. In a recent study, A.H.U assessed the cardio metabolic risk factors among 185 overweight and obese children and adolescents aged 8 to 19 years. Insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and systolic hypertension were found in 54%, 10% and 17% of adolescents respectively. Moreover, obesity during adolescence increases the risk οf premature death during adulthood. Therefore, preventive strategies in order to weight control should be targeted at childhood and early adolescence.


02-02-2017