Flammer Syndrome in the Global Context – The “U-Shape” of Health Risks

Abstract

Unmet healthcare needs of young populations are the key issue of currently observed epidemics of non-communicable disorders. Moreover, an unprecedented decrease in the average age of onset of these disorders is recorded. The majority of non-communicable disorders carry a chronic character by progressing over a couple of years from a reversible suboptimal health condition to irreversible pathology with collateral complications. The time-frame between both conditions is the operational area for predictive diagnosis and identification of persons at risk by innovative screening programmes followed by the most cost-effective personalised treatment possible, namely primary prevention tailored to the person. Particularly in young people, both abnormally low and high BMI play an important role with long-term adverse health effects. Monitoring both underweight and overweight trends across the European countries and worldwide using data objectively measured and obtained with comparable methods, thoroughly performed analysis of the trends causality as well as follow-up mitigating programmes are essential measures which should be considered a public health priority.

In contrast to the overweight subpopulations, the causality, risks and associated pathologies linked to the underweight subpopulations are much less understood. Actual studies clearly demonstrate that thinness is an overlooked phenomenon with wide variation in prevalence and trends across developed countries. The matter deserves longitudinal studies in multinational context to understand risk factors and to contribute to targeted preventive programmes focused on thinness and follow-up. The causality is complex. The book highlights the most recent knowledge collected in the area providing facts and hypothesis for the follow-up investigations. Flammer syndrome phenotype typical for young slim persons is in the focus providing insights into characteristic symptoms and deficits functionally liked to mechanisms which may underlie the development of associated pathologies. Corresponding health-threating conditions are exemplified in the book utilising an up-to-date multi-professional expertise considering cardiovascular, ophthalmologic, neurologic, psychologic, psychiatric, gynaecologic, otorhinolaryngologic, dental and nutritional aspects, several syndromes, disordered eating, eating disorders, microbiome, sleep medicine, wound healing, and application of innovative technologies, amongst others.