New WHO report highlights urgency in tackling obesity
- Article
- 2023-05-28
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a recent report on the alarming rise in obesity and overweight across Europe. The report shows that no country in the European region is on track to meet the WHO's goal of halting the obesity epidemic by 2025.
According to the WHO Regional Obesity Report 2022, 59 percent of adults in Europe are overweight or obese. In children, 29 percent of boys and 27 percent of girls are obese. The WHO emphasizes that the situation has deteriorated further during the corona pandemic.
Overweight and obesity are estimated to be responsible for more than 13 percent of deaths - 1.2 million per year - in Europe.
To address this worrying trend, the WHO proposes addressing societal factors that undermine a healthy diet. This reduces the pressure on individuals to develop and maintain healthy eating habits.
In a press release announcing the report, the WHO states: “The new WHO report highlights that population-level policy interventions targeting the environmental and commercial influencers of unhealthy diets are likely to be most effective in reversing the obesity epidemic. , addressing nutritional inequality and achieving sustainable food systems."
According to WHO, creating environments that foster investment and innovation in health is critical. In addition, strong and resilient health systems need to be developed to tackle the impact of obesity in Europe.
Some of the measures proposed by the WHO are:
- Fiscal interventions, such as taxes on sugary drinks or subsidies for healthy food.
- Restrictions on the sale of unhealthy food to children.
- Improving access to primary health care for obesity and overweight.
- Efforts to improve diets and physical activity throughout life, including maternity care, breastfeeding promotion, interventions in schools, and creating environments that promote access to healthy food and exercise opportunities.
The WHO insists that a strong, high-level political commitment is needed for this approach to obesity to be successful in Europe. Only through the concerted efforts of governments, policy makers, health authorities and wider society can the obesity epidemic be tackled effectively.
The report also emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and education about a healthy diet and lifestyle. It is essential to educate people about the consequences of obesity and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. In addition, programs and initiatives should be put in place to facilitate access to healthy food and promote physical activity.
To actually reverse the obesity epidemic in Europe, bold and coordinated measures must be taken. This includes not only policy interventions, but also cooperation between different sectors, such as health care, education, food industry and civil society organisations.
The challenges surrounding obesity are complex and require a comprehensive approach. It is crucial to invest in research, prevention, treatment and monitoring of obesity to ensure a healthier future for the European population.
The new WHO report on obesity is an important signal that urgent action is needed to address this public health crisis. It is time for a collective effort and commitment to reverse the rising rates of overweight and obesity and improve the health and well-being of people across Europe.
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