New data unveils a concerning reality as one in six Europeans grapple with obesity, and over 50% of adults are classified as overweight. The obesity crisis varies across countries, prompting questions about its origins and impact.
Obesity emerges as a pressing public health challenge in Europe, where one in six EU citizens falls into the obese category, and over half of adults in the EU are deemed overweight. This trend poses significant health risks, elevating the likelihood of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and certain cancers.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s ‘Health at a Glance: Europe 2020’ report, the average reduction in life expectancy due to overweight and obesity in the EU is nearly three years. Moreover, recent estimates attribute over 1.2 million deaths annually to overweight and obesity in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region.
The WHO’s ‘European Regional Obesity Report 2022’ underscores the severity of the issue, ranking obesity as the fourth-highest cause of death, accounting for more than 13% of total fatalities, trailing behind high blood pressure, dietary risks, and tobacco.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) serves as a crucial metric for measuring obesity in adults, with specific classifications:
- < 18.50: underweight
- 18.50 – < 25.00: normal range
- =25.00: overweight
- = 30.00: obese
The rates of overweight and obesity exhibit significant variations based on gender, age, and education level. In 2019, Eurostat reported that 44.8% of EU adults had a normal weight, while 52.7% were overweight and 2.5% underweight. Notably, Croatia and Malta reported the highest proportions of overweight adults (64.8%), while Italy, France, and Luxembourg boasted rates below 50%.
Delving into obesity specifics, 16.5% of EU adults were classified as obese, with rates ranging from 10.9% in Romania to 28.7% in Malta. The UK reported an obesity rate of 21%, and among the “Big Four” EU economies, Germany led with 19%, followed by Spain (16%), France (15%), and Italy (11.7%).
Over the past two decades, the prevalence of obesity in the EU has risen, with the average obesity rate increasing from 11% in 2000 to 17% in 2018. While the causes of obesity vary, factors such as urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and the availability of energy-dense foods contribute to its surge.
Socioeconomic characteristics play a crucial role, as low socioeconomic status is associated with higher obesity rates. Additionally, gender, age, and education level significantly influence overweight and obesity patterns. Men in the EU exhibit a higher rate of overweight (60.2%) compared to women (45.7%), while the obesity rate is 16.8% in men and slightly lower in women (16.3%).
To combat the rising obesity epidemic, experts emphasize the need for multifaceted interventions. Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, notes that the complexity of obesity demands a comprehensive approach that addresses behavioral and environmental factors. As the obesity crisis continues to unfold, understanding its nuances becomes imperative for implementing effective preventive measures.
