Obesity will have a “devastating” effect on healthcare costs and productivity across Europe, leading public health experts and scientists have warned.
Ahead of European Obesity Day tomorrow (21 May), the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) warns that obesity and being overweight is growing at an alarming rate and could affect more than half all European citizens by 2030.
In some countries, the association members caution, levels of obesity and overweightness could reach as much as 90%.
EASO has expressed its support for a Written Declaration that has been initiated in the European Parliament and has called for obesity to be recognised as a disease by EU Member States.
Professor Hermann Toplak, EASO president, said: “Obesity is a complex and chronic disease with numerous causes, many of which are beyond an individual’s control. The causes can range from genetic and endocrine conditions to environmental factors, such as stress, diet and increasingly sedentary working patterns.
“A healthier lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity can help maintain a normal weight. However, obesity is a chronic disease and should be recognised and treated as such. Accepting and supporting people with obesity will help them seek the help and treatment they need.”
Obesity and being overweight costs European countries more than €70 billion in healthcare and lost productivity, warns EASO, while the World Health Organisation has warned that obesity is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century.
As well as events on European Obesity Day, many EASO National Associations have been organising various initiatives, including public awareness campaigns in France and Spain.
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