Obesity
Obesity is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Its prevalence has tripled in many countries of the WHO European Region since the 1980s, and the numbers of those affected continue to rise at an alarming rate. In addition to causing various physical disabilities and psychological problems, excess weight drastically increases a person’s risk of developing a number of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.
WHO/Europe approaches to obesityTop story
High rates of childhood obesity alarming given anticipated impact of COVID-19 pandemic
In some countries of the WHO European Region, 1 in 3 children aged 6 to 9 years is living with overweight or obesity. Mediterranean countries have the highest rates of obesity, but the situation there is starting to improve.
Self-quarantine advice
Resource package for planning healthy and sustainable meetings
See resource package
Data and statistics
60%
The percentage of children who are overweight before puberty that will be overweight in early adulthood.
More data and statistics
Publications
What is the evidence on the policy specifications, development processes and effectiveness of existing front-of-pack food labelling policies in the WHO European Region? (2018)
More publications
Key resources
- Vienna Declaration on Nutrition and Noncommunicable Diseases in the Context of Health 2020
- European Charter on Counteracting Obesity
- Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases in the WHO European Region 2016–2025
- European Food and Nutrition Action Plan 2015–2020
