Prevalence of obesity in Greece
Mamalakis, G.; Kafatos, A.
International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders Journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity 20(5): 488-492
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0307-0565 PMID: 8696429 Document Number: 457549
The purpose of the present study is the presentation of the available literature on obesity in Greece. The heterogeneity of design, small sample size and limited number of studies conducted, complicates the delineation of definite trends. Nevertheless, the existing literature appears to point at a high prevalence of obesity among Greek children. Childhood obesity, may partly be accounted for by the over-protection and forced feeding by Greek parents. With regard to the incidence of obesity among Greek adolescents, studies have yielded controversial results. On the other hand, the existing evidence appears to indicate a high prevalence of obesity among Greek adults and the elderly, particularly those above 30 years of age. In contrast to the females, males appear to be characterised by central obesity. These observations highlight a need for primary prevention measures.