[Physical inactivity and chronic diseases].
The genetic program of contemporary human beings is still that of hunters and gatherers of the Stone Age, dedicated to optimal storage of energy for physical activities in hunger periods. Life-style of humans living in western industrial countries however, is often characterized by physical inactivity and overeating. The resulting positive energy balance is associated with fat accumulation (abdomen, liver, skeletal and heart muscle) followed by insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and reduced production of nitric oxide, endothelial dysfunction and chronic inflammatory processes. All these changes and their interactions are involved in the complex pathomechanisms of many metabolic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders.