This Saturday, May 21, 2016, is the European Day ofobesity. On this occasion, the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), the main body responsible for studying the progression of the pathology in Europe, wanted to sound the alarm in a press release.
“If no action is taken quickly to stem the epidemic, half of the European population will be obese by 2030,” explain the authorities. In some countries, 90% of the population could even be affected. “
In France, according to the World Health Organization, 6.5 million people currently suffer from obesity (or 14.5% of the adult population). And in the world, the number of obese people has doubled since 1980: today, 600 million people are affected.
Actions to follow on social networks
Present in 32 European countries, EASO is involved in numerous actions aimed at drawing public attention to this disease, considered by the World Health Organization as “one of the greatest health challenges of the 21st century”.
Thus, in France and Spain, EASO coordinates information campaigns; in Bulgaria, these are conferences advocating the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in schools ; in Italy, EASO appealed to Parliament. These actions can be followed on Twitter (@ EOD2016 and # EOD2016) or on Facebook.
“Obesity is a complex chronic disease that depends on many genetic and environmental factors,” explains Prof. Hermann Toplak, president of EASO. To maintain a BMI below 30 (the “limit” beyond which we speak of obesity, set at 25 for overweight), it is essential to adopt a balanced diet and practice regular physical activity. “
According to various studies, other more unusual parameters also make it possible to lower the risk of obesity: live in altitude, sleep in total darkness, eat legumes, do the housework often (!) …
