The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report stating that obesity and overweight have reached “epidemic proportions” in Europe. The report reveals that more than half (59%) of adults and almost one-third of children are overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity is higher in men (63%) than in women (54%). Germany has a slightly lower percentage of overweight adults than the European average, but the gender differences are not as pronounced. The WHO defines overweight in Europe as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher, and obesity as having a BMI of 30 or higher.
The WHO’s European Obesity Report also highlights that the goal of stopping obesity by 2025 seems unlikely to be achieved in any of the 53 countries in the region. The report states that obesity and overweight have become a major public health concern, with more than 1.2 million people dying prematurely each year in the region due to these conditions. This accounts for more than 13% of all deaths in the region. Additionally, at least 200,000 new cancer cases are directly attributed to excess weight each year in the region. Obesity and overweight are also major risk factors for disabilities, causing about 7% of years lived with disabilities.
The report’s findings are alarming, and experts are calling for urgent action to address the issue. The WHO recommends that governments take measures to promote healthy eating and physical activity, such as implementing taxes on sugary drinks and improving access to safe and affordable places for physical activity. The report also emphasizes the need for more research to better understand the causes and consequences of obesity and overweight, as well as effective interventions to prevent and treat these conditions.
