WHO European Regional Obesity Report 2022It was launched in the Croatian capital by the spouses of 16 European leaders and heads of state.
childhood obesity data WHOThe European sector of the present paints an alarming picture.
challenging environment
,Our children are increasingly growing up in an environment that makes it very difficult for them to eat well and be active. This is the root cause of the obesity epidemic,” said Dr. Hans Henry P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
,As societies and countries, we have so far failed to reverse rising rates of childhood obesityAnd that is why WHO/Europe is here at the invitation of the President’s Spouse Professor Milanovic to mobilize political support for this really deadly public health crisis in Croatia. before it becomes even more difficult to address,
hazard guess
Based on current trends and looking specifically at obesity WHO European Region, which covers 53 countries across Europe and Central Asia World Obesity Atlas 2023 Published by the World Obesity Federation, the projects that will take place between 2020 and 2035 are:
- 61% increase in the number of obese boys,
- 75% increase in the number of obese girls,
- A total of 17 million boys and 11 million girls aged 5-19 in the region are likely to be obese in 2035.
- issues related to overweight and obesity All The age groups are estimated to cost the WHO European Region $800 billion annually by 2035.
identifying solutions
The WHO European Region has identified three specific actions to help counter current projections and prevent this silent epidemic from getting worse:
Prevention is better than cure: efforts to reduce childhood obesity should start soon pregnancy and early childhood. Prevention requires a focus on good nutrition at all stages of a child’s life. Prevention efforts are also needed in homes, schools, and the wider community.
Regulation of Food and Beverage Industry: The most effective policies to combat childhood obesity include taxing sugary drinks, requiring clear labeling on the front of the package, and restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children.
Promoting physical activity: This includes better urban design and transportation policies, physical activity and extra-curricular activities in the school curriculum, and clear messaging to support active lifestyles throughout life.
The link between obesity and other diseases
are overweight and obese of the leading causes of death and disability In the European region, according to recent estimates they cause more than 1.2 million deaths annually, corresponding to more than 13% of the total mortality.
Obesity increases the risk of many non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.
Obesity is also known to cause at least 13 different types of cancer and is likely to be directly responsible for at least 200,000 new cancer cases annually across the region, a figure set to rise in the coming years .
Too, People who are overweight and obese are disproportionately affected by its consequences COVID-19 EpidemicOften experiencing more severe illness and other complications.
“Because obesity is so complex, influenced by a variety of factors such as genetics, environment and socioeconomic status, no one intervention can stop its rise,” Dr. Kluge explained.
,Any national policy addressing the issues of overweight and obesity must be backed by high-level political commitment. They must be comprehensive, reach individuals across the lifespan and target disparities.”
