Adiposity or obesity is a nutritional and metabolic disorder resulting in significant excess weight that is characterised by a body fat increase far in excess of normal limits and with pathological effects. The WHO defines adiposity as a body-mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m². It also defines three weight categories delineated according to the BMI. Indicators used to determine the proportion of body fat and its distribution are stomach circumference and waist-hip ratio.
What is decisive for the risk of cardiovascular disease is not the BMI, but the body fat distribution pattern. Body fat deposits in the area of the stomach and on the internal organs (resulting in a so-called apple figure) are particularly dangerous.

Excessive weight occurs with particular frequency in industrialised nations – especially under conditions characterised by little physical labour and an excess of food. Developing countries have also become increasingly affected over the last few years. Here are some possible causes:

• Employment that requires sitting
• Limited movement because of cars, lifts and escalators
• Passive leisure time (television, computer)
• Eating too much and the wrong type of food (lots of saturated fatty acids in fast food, sugar) on the one hand and getting too little movement (energy expenditure) on the other lead to an unhealthy calorie balance.
• Genetic factors
• Metabolic and other disorders
• Eating disorders
• Side effects of medications
• Poor sleep quality, sleep deprivation

Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. If it is exacerbated by other disorders such as diabetes mellitus, lipid metabolic disorder (increased cholesterol or LDL) or high blood pressure, the danger of cardiovascular disease (metabolic syndrome) becomes significantly higher, as does the risk of early death.

Adiposity increases the risk of arterial hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes mellitus type 2 (adult-onset diabetes), reflux, heart attack, arteriosclerosis, stroke, breast cancer, osteoarthritis, degenerative spine disorders, gall bladder disorders, gout and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. A BMI of 30 or more indicates a significantly increased risk of disease.

Obesity is also a risk factor for the reduction of cognitive capability and dementia disorders including Alzheimer’s disease. This could be at least partially due to diabetes mellitus, which is known today to be associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

The financial and socio-economic consequences of excessive weight are enormous. Damage to the musculoskeletal system alone leads to a range of treatments that can include surgical intervention (such as knee or hip operations), which in turn, especially with pronounced obesity, lead to complications such as wound healing disorder and delayed recovery.

Every therapy has weight reduction as its goal:

• Change eating and exercise behaviour and involve the patient’s partner in the effort
• Psychotherapy
• Create positive motivation, such as joy of movement, increased well-being and tasty food.
• Possible Medications
• Possible operation

• The soft, elastic material of the kybun mat/kybun shoe dampens the impact of hard surfaces. This protects your joints, reduces pain and allows you to walk upright for longer.
• The pleasant feeling users have on the kybun mat/kybun shoe is very motivating and restores the joy of movement.
• The kybun mat allows you to actively shape your everyday office life. Standing on the kybun mat will train your postural muscles, reducing your joint and back complaints, making you feel more mentally fit during the day and allowing you to burn off a few extra calories while you are working.
• The kybun shoe has a range of applications during the day and gives you a fitness device that you can keep with you all day long! During your morning walk to the train, your work as a cook or salesman, or your visit to the shops in your free time, the kybun shoe actively shapes your day with no additional time required.

• Do not make your steps too long.
• Maintain an upright body posture, but do not tense up!
• Keep your gaze forward and your shoulders and arms loose.
• Everyday/leisure: Walk with the kybun shoe or use the kybun mat as much as possible. Rest if tired > perform the kybun exercises regularly and take a short break if needed.
• Job: Sit as little as possible. In the beginning, alternate between sitting and standing, and take along replacement shoes to change into.
• If you feel unsafe/too unstable in the kybun shoe even after a test session, we recommend a kybun shoe model with a lower rebound effect. These models have a somewhat wider sole in the area of the midfoot, providing added stability. Seek advice from your local kybun shoe expert.
• If you find a sole with a lower rebound effect too unstable for you as well, we recommend the kybun mat. You can choose the thickness you are comfortable with (the thicker, the less stable, the more intensive the training). You can also hold on to a fixed object.
• Precise movements are essential if you suffer from joint pain or osteoarthritis. Pay attention to exact movements and be sure to take a break in case of fatigue or weakness. Lateral/medial rolling of the ankle joint on the soft, elastic material has to be corrected so that the load is applied to the foot, knee and hip with proper axial alignment. Read more under ‘Lateral/medial rolling of the ankle joint’.
• Take your time! The kybun shoe and kybun mat are intensive training devices and pose a major challenge for the body. It may take a few months before you can walk in the kybun shoe or stand on the kybun mat for several hours in a row. The duration of use is highly individual and depends on numerous factors. It also varies from day to day. Listen to your body and accept your limits.
• Contact a kybun dealer you trust if you have further questions, feel insecure or if there is no alleviation of pain when using the kybun shoe even though you are following the tips.