Observational Study of Early Metabolic and Vascular Changes in Obesity

To work against the increasing burden of obesity, the STYJOBS / EDECTA (STYrian Juvenile OBesity Study / Early DetECtion of Atherosclerosis) project was started at the Medical University of Graz in 2003. STYJOBS / EDECTA is a prospective, observational study to improve the understanding of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular risk, immune mediated low grade Inflammation, metabolic changes, and general disease propensity in obesity. The investigation of the "non-biased" early phase is strongly focused. Based on this information, new and effective strategies for preclinical diagnostics and early intervention are of main interest. We seek a better understanding of critical lipid profiles, chronic immune-mediated inflammation, disturbed adipokine balance, critical adipose tissue topography, addiction like behaviour, genetics/epigenetics, early vascular pathology, and fatty liver disease. Interventional branches of study tested a holistic strategy comprehending sports, and lifestyle modification for efficiency. The investigative spectrum of STYJOBS / EDECTA comprehends also non-obese body weight extremes i.e. underweight/anorectic people.