WHO Issues Warning on Alarming Obesity Rates in Europe

The WHO warns that obesity rates in Europe are at epidemic levels, contributing to over 1.2 million deaths annually. The rates have increased by 138% over the past 50 years, with nearly a quarter of adults affected. The organization calls for policy reforms to encourage healthier lifestyles and counteract these dangerous trends, particularly in light of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a stern warning regarding the alarming rates of overweight and obesity in Europe, linking these trends to over 1.2 million annual deaths. The report reveals a staggering 138 percent increase in obesity rates over the past 50 years, primarily associated with several cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Approximately 25 percent of adults in Europe are classified as obese, surpassing all regions except the Americas.

Hans Kluge, the WHO’s regional director, emphasized that “overweight and obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions across the region and are still escalating.” Obesity is linked to 13 different cancer types, contributing to at least 200,000 new cancer cases annually, and this number is projected to grow. The organization also noted that excess weight accounts for over 13 percent of deaths in Europe, amounting to more than 1.2 million fatalities each year.

According to 2016 data, 59 percent of adults and nearly one-third of children in Europe are categorized as overweight. This figure reflects a significant rise from 40 percent in 1975, with a 21 percent increase noted between 2006 and 2016. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this issue, as lockdowns triggered unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles.

Kluge remarked that individuals with obesity face more severe health risks related to COVID-19, including higher rates of intensive care unit admissions and mortality. The report highlights that obesity’s causes are intricate and extend beyond mere unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity, pointing to environmental factors within Europe’s digital landscape, such as targeted marketing of unhealthy foods and the rise of online gaming among youth.

The WHO advocates for immediate policy reforms to combat obesity and encourage healthier lifestyles. Recommendations include imposing taxes on sugary beverages, subsidizing nutritious foods, and restricting unhealthy food marketing directed at children. The organization asserts that “policy interventions that target environmental and commercial determinants of poor diet at the entire population level are likely to be most effective at reversing the obesity epidemic.” The WHO’s European region encompasses 53 countries, including several in Central Asia.

The WHO’s report underscores the urgent need for policy changes to tackle the escalating obesity crisis in Europe, with rates having surged dramatically over recent decades. With significant health implications, including cancer and increased mortality, it is vital to address both dietary habits and environmental factors. The organization advocates for comprehensive strategies targeting the underlying causes of obesity, emphasizing the importance of promoting healthier lifestyles across the population.

Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com