What are the most effective measures to combat excess weight?

In a long document Published on its website, the Drees (Directorate of Research, Studies, Evaluation and Statistics) reveals the best ways, according to it, to combat excess weight, a health problem that is increasingly present in Europe.

19% of Poles and Germans are obese

According to this new report, overweight now affects more than half of the European population (51%), even if there are marked disparities between the 27 territories. For example, 29% of Maltese residents are obese, as are 24% of Hungarians, 19% of Poles or Germans, 15% of French and 11% of Italians.

“Disparities are also observed according to gender, age and income: men have a greater probability of being overweight, while women have a higher risk of obesity,” indicates the Drees. “Similarly, older people are more likely to be overweight or obese, as are less affluent individuals,” she wrote in her report.

“Obesity is also increasingly common among children and adolescents, posing a growing challenge for future generations,” underlines the Drees.

Europe: How to reduce weight problems?

How can we combat this phenomenon? The most effective measures listed by the Drees are the ban on advertising for products that are too fatty, salty or sugary aimed at young people, nutritional labelling of foods and the taxation of sugary drinks.To improve their acceptability and strengthen the effect on the less well-off, these measures could potentially be combined with subsidies or food vouchers,” add public health experts.

“On the other hand, the effectiveness of information campaigns seems more uncertain, as does that of food budget management workshops, often perceived as patronizing or intrusive,” they continue.

“In the food sector, opposition from industry can be a major obstacle due to potential revenue losses or costs associated with implementing certain public health measures,” they analyze.

What are the health problems triggered by being overweight?

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat. They are considered major risk factors for many noncommunicable diseases such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, joint problems and some cancers.

Obesity also has significant psychological repercussions and generates significant costs, both medical and social.

According to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)obesity and related diseases will reduce global life expectancy by 0.9 to 4.2 years over the next 30 years.