Obesity prevalence from a European perspective: a systematic review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Obesity has been recognised as an important contributing factor in the development of various diseases, but comparative data on this condition are limited. We therefore aimed to identify and discuss current epidemiological data on the prevalence of obesity in European countries.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We identified relevant published studies by means of a MEDLINE search (1990–2008) supplemented by information obtained from regulatory agencies. We only included surveys that used direct measures of weight and height and were representative of each country's overall population.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In Europe, the prevalence of obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m²) in men ranged from 4.0% to 28.3% and in women from 6.2% to 36.5%. We observed considerable geographic variation, with prevalence rates in Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe being higher than those in Western and Northern Europe.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In Europe, obesity has reached epidemic proportions. The data presented in our review emphasise the need for effective therapeutic and preventive strategies.</p

Cnidaria: Anthozoans in the Hot Seat

Cnidarians comprise a diverse and phylogenetically basal phylum, some of which—such as scleractinian corals (Anthozoa)—are responsible for the formation and maintenance of ecosystems. Anthozoan immunology is a relatively new field, yet has great potential to inform invertebrate immunology, medicine, as well as coral reef conservation and restoration. Here we review cnidarian innate immune mechanisms in the context of invertebrate effector responses. We focus on anthozoans and discuss the blurred boundary between immune and stress responses. We conclude by high 1ighting unique aspects of coral biology and exploring the role of immunology in coral reef conservation and restoration through climate change