| Abstract: |
Overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions globally along with an adoption of a Westernized lifestyle characterized by a combination of excessive food intake and inadequate physical activity. This chapter on epidemiology is from a comprehensive textbook on obesity and diabetes. In this chapter, the authors present the prevalence, secular trends, and geographic distribution of overweight, obesity, and diabetes in adults, children, and adolescents in the United States and in other developed countries, as well as in developing countries. The authors briefly summarize the epidemiological literature on obesity, weight gain, weight loss, and physical activity in relation to the risk of developing diabetes. The authors conclude that besides genetic predisposition, there is ample evidence that modifiable lifestyle factors such as obesity and physical inactivity are important determinants of the development of type 2 diabetes. In addition, lifestyle modifications, such as changes in exercise and dietary practices, can effectively delay or prevent the development of diabetes in high-risk groups. The authors stress that prevention of these two diseases in adults, and especially in children and adolescents, should be an essential component of future public health intervention programs. 12 figures. 6 tables. 70 references. |