Every second German is too fat, every fifth even suffers from
pathological obesity (adiposity). Obesity is not only a burden,
but also causes physical disorders, some of which may prove
fatal. The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) invited 40
experts from all over the world to a discussion forum entitled
"Genetics, Diet and Disease - Consequences of Obesity" at
Leipzig University. Under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. med.
Wieland Kiess, Director of Leipzig University's Children's
Clinic, the scientists discussed the causes and effects of
obesity and defined the areas where research is urgently needed.
The researchers attending the forum called for the development
of guidelines to support doctors and patients in their struggle
against "obesity", which has now reached epidemic proportions.
Research into adiposity must be intensified and individual
projects brought into combination; in particular, we know too
little about the side-effects and consequences of obesity. Wide-
ranging studies of affected families w