Malnutrition with Obesity Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Therapy

Quite frequently obesity is associated with malnutrition. However, in these cases malnutrition is not evident and not perceivable as the established diagnostic markers are based on body weight or BMI. The nutritional problem manifests itself through nutrient imbalances and micronutrient deficiency. Causal is a hyperenergetic diet with its energy- dense, but qualitative lowvalue foods. Depending on the extent of obesity, certain micronutrients are to be critically evaluated as it has been proven that for instance the vitamin D and iron metabolism are also directly pathologically impaired by the increased fatty tissue. Poverty and food insecurity promote the coexistence of malnutrition and obesity in an individual as well as a complete household. In view of this growing problem an increasing prevalence of comorbidities caused by malnutrition and obesity is to be expected. In addition to individual dietatotherapy there is also an urgent demand for nutrition programmes that reach those population groups that are at risk.