How are overweight and obesity affecting EU citizens?

Overweight and obesity levels continue to skyrocket in Europe, according to a report by the European Food Information Council, a consumer-oriented non-profit organisation.

Levels have risen both among adults and children.

Some three-quarters of men in Romania (76%), Poland (76%), Croatia and Slovakia (74%) are overweight or obese.

Meanwhile, men in France (41%), the Netherlands (54%) and Denmark (56%) are less likely to be overweight or obese.

The highest percentages of overweight and obesity among women were reported in Ireland (62%), Romania (58%) and Croatia (58%).

Among women, too, France is on the other side of the spectrum, at 30%, ahead of Austria (34%) and Denmark (36%).

The study underlined that “it is difficult” to compare data, as countries often use different assessment methodologies to measure overweight and obesity.

Still, taking into account these latest numbers, experts have warned that no European Union member state will be able to halt the rise of obesity by the end of the year.

On the contrary, if trends don't halt or reverse in the short term, over half of Europe is expected to live with obesity by 2030, affecting up to 89% of people in some countries.

Most prevalent form of malnutrition

A new UNICEF report has added to the woes by claiming that obesity has now surpassed underweight as “the more prevalent form of malnutrition”.

Some one in ten school-aged children and adolescents—or 188 million people—suffer from obesity worldwide, according to the findings. This trend is recorded in all regions of the world, except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

The report warns that ultra-processed and fast foods—high in sugar, refined starch, salt, unhealthy fats and additives—are shaping children's diets through unhealthy food environments, rather than personal choice.

Obesity is placing children and adolescents "at risk of life-threatening diseases", UNICEF concludes.