Via practica 3/2020

Epidemiology of diabesity

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are chronic, preventable, relapsing and the most common metabolic diseases, which are currently a global epidemic (pandemic). They affect not only adults but also children and adolescents. In most European countries, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is around 50 % in the adult population and is responsible for the development of up to 80 % of cases of T2DM. The parallel occurrence and close pathophysiological link between these two serious chronic illnesses and their complications led to the creation of their common term „diabesity“. Currently, more than 200 comorbidities of obesity have been identified. Information on the health and health risks of the population is a cornerstone of disease and disability prevention. They are very much needed for the planning and development of health policy, as well as for society-wide preventive action.

Keywords: epidemiology of overweight/obesity, prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus