Via practica 12/2005

PREVENTION OF OBESITY

Obesity is a condition of excessive fatness, which impaired man health. It is a result of bad proportion between energy intake and expenditure caused by unhealthy life style. Although many genetic, environmental, behavioral, and cultural factors affect health, diet and physical activity are the most important for promoting health and preventing disease. 75 % of adult population in Slovakia are overweight or obese. Despite the fact, that number of obese man in Slovakia remain nearly the same, last few years epidemiologists found out that percentage of obese children, adolescents and women rise up in that time. Prevention of obesity is based on prevention of new obesity cases, prevention of weight regaining after weight loss, and prevention of continual weight gain with age. The most powerful method in obesity prevention is lifestyle intervention that involves healthier food choices and physical activity.

Keywords: obesity, metabolic syndrom, obesity prevention, lifestyle changes, dietary guidance.