Global Health & Policy

UK’s obesity challenge: Learning from Japan’s effective approach

In Japan, a unique festive tradition involving Colonel Sanders statues dressed as Santa Claus outside KFC branches marks the start of the Christmas season. This tradition, a result of a marketing strategy from the 1970s, has become a cultural phenomenon, with millions participating in the “KFC Special Christmas Dinner”. This period is significant for KFC Japan, contributing to a substantial portion of their annual sales.

This contrasts sharply with the UK, where traditional home-cooked Christmas dinners are preferred. However, the issue for the UK lies in the dietary habits adopted for the rest of the year. The British tendency towards unhealthy eating has led to an escalating obesity crisis, now costing the economy almost £100 billion annually and impacting productivity far more than previously estimated.

The report by the Tony Blair Institute indicates a worrying trend: two-thirds of the UK’s population are either overweight or have obesity, a figure that has risen by around 11% since 1993. The economic impact of obesity, including healthcare costs and reduced productivity, is projected to increase by an additional £10 billion in the next 15 years. Henry Dimbleby, the government’s former food advisor, highlights the dire consequences of this trend. He points out that by 2035, the costs of treating Type 2 diabetes alone could surpass the current expenditure on all cancer treatments within the NHS.

Comparatively, Japan stands out with one of the lowest obesity rates among developed nations, a mere 4%. This has not always been the case. In the 1960s, Japan was considered one of the least healthy countries in the G7, with a diet heavily reliant on cheap US food imports post-World War II. However, over the following decades, Japan underwent a dramatic cultural shift concerning food, resulting in the world’s highest life expectancy. This transformation demonstrates that obesity is an addressable issue, requiring a change in cultural attitudes towards food rather than reliance on medication.

In Japan, the “bukatsudō” programme plays a pivotal role in promoting physical activity among schoolchildren. This initiative, coupled with the provision of healthier school meals, has contributed to Japan’s low obesity rates among children. In contrast, recent NHS figures show concerning trends in the UK, with significant percentages of children categorised as having overweight or obesity from a young age.

The traditional Japanese diet, which includes fresh fish, small portions of meat, tofu, and vegetables, is inherently healthier than typical Western diets. Andrew Kojima, a celebrity chef, suggests that the UK could benefit from adopting Japanese dining philosophies such as eating until only 80% full and ensuring a variety of colours and types of food in meals.

In Japan, there is a lesser emphasis on snacking and takeaway food compared to the UK. The quality of institutional food in Japan is also notably healthier. Dimbleby recalls a stay in a Tokyo hospital, where meals included healthy options such as pickles, rice porridge, grilled fish, miso soup, and steamed vegetables. He argues that such changes are feasible in the UK without significantly increasing budgets.

Dimbleby’s charity, Chefs in Schools, aims to improve the quality of school meals across England and advocates for an inspection regime similar to Ofsted for school dinners. Another potential strategy is adapting Japan’s “metabo” law, which mandates waistline measurements for citizens aged 40 to 74, with counselling and incentives for those who do not meet the standards. This approach could be implemented in the UK through voluntary annual health checks in workplaces.

Despite the need for action, the UK government has shown reluctance to intervene effectively. The National Food Strategy’s recommendations have been largely overlooked, and proposed anti-obesity measures like junk food deal bans and advertising restrictions have been delayed. Campaigners are calling for the sugar tax on soft drinks to be extended, but there is little movement from the government.

The lack of government intervention and the influence of corporations promoting high-calorie foods mean the UK continues to struggle with an obesity crisis. As the report highlights, Britain urgently needs to adopt successful strategies like those in Japan to address both the public health and economic challenges posed by obesity.

UK’s obesity epidemic costs economy almost £100 billion per year

Britain is grappling with an obesity crisis that is inflicting a staggering economic toll of nearly £100 billion annually, as per a comprehensive report by the Tony Blair Institute. This figure, highlighted in a report published by The Times, indicates that the impact of obesity on national productivity is far more severe than previously estimated, being ninefold higher.

The financial implications are forecasted to escalate by an additional £10 billion over the coming 15 years. This total cost, inclusive of the £63 billion attributed to shorter life spans and compromised health due to obesity, equates to roughly 4% of the nation’s GDP.

Henry Dimbleby, the former government advisor on food, is advocating for stringent measures akin to those applied to tobacco, targeting junk food. He warns that without decisive action, Britain risks becoming a nation burdened by illness and economic decline. Dimbleby is poised to highlight these concerns in a speech at a Royal Society conference, stressing the potential strain on the NHS and consequent economic stagnation.

Amid these warnings, the government has postponed initiatives like the 9pm junk food advertising watershed and restrictions on promotional deals for unhealthy food products until 2025. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has expressed a desire to offer health guidance in a non-patronising manner.

A Department of Health spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling obesity, pointing to initiatives like food-labelling standards, investment in school sports, and healthy food vouchers for underprivileged families.

Hermione Dace from the Tony Blair Institute underscored the critical link between the nation’s health and its economic prosperity, calling for a revamped approach to promote healthier food options and discourage the profitability of ultra-processed and junk food.

The obesity epidemic has intensified, with two-thirds of British adults now classified as having overweight or obesity, a significant rise from half a generation ago. Notably, the average weights of British men and women have increased by 6kg and 5kg, respectively, since 1993.

Japan’s healthcare system to include new obesity treatment in insurance coverage

Japan’s healthcare system is set to introduce a novel obesity treatment covered by public medical insurance starting Wednesday (22nd of November, 2023), marking the first such inclusion in thirty years. Wegovy, produced by the Danish firm Novo Nordisk, will be accessible under the national health insurance following its approval for manufacture and sale in March.

The treatment contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that not only enhances insulin production and lowers blood sugar but also suppresses appetite by inducing satiety and curbing cravings.

Coverage is specifically tailored for patients who are significantly overweight or have weight-related health complications such as high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, and Type 2 diabetes, and who have not seen results from lifestyle changes alone. Criteria for eligibility include having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or above, or a BMI of 27 with associated comorbidities.

Wegovy is administered weekly through self-injection, with a monthly supply consisting of four pens. The cost varies according to the dose, from ¥1,876 (£9.99) for the smallest dose to ¥10,740 (£57.19) for the highest.

The drug joins Ozempic, also a GLP-1 receptor agonist with semaglutide by Novo Nordisk, on the market. While Ozempic targets Type 2 diabetes at lower doses, Wegovy is dosed higher specifically for weight loss.

Despite its medical purposes, there’s growing concern over Wegovy’s use for aesthetic weight loss, leading to potential drug shortages for those in medical need. This has prompted Japanese medical bodies to warn against such misuse, especially with the trend of “medical diets” offered by clinics to individuals without obesity or diabetes.

Research has pointed out the risk of severe gastrointestinal issues with these medications, a concern highlighted in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Yet, Novo Nordisk has cited an August report claiming Wegovy can cut the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% in adult individuals with overweight or obesity.

Previously, Japan’s insured treatment for obesity was limited to Mazindol, introduced in 1992, designated for severe obesity and capped at three months of use due to addiction risks.

WHO Europe stresses the need for strengthened digital health literacy across the region

In a significant report released by WHO Europe, there’s an emphasised call for an immediate boost in investments towards digital health literacy across the region.

The report, titled “Digital Health in the European Region: The Ongoing Commitment to Transformation,” sheds light on a concerning statistic: only half of the countries spanning Europe and Central Asia have rolled out policies tailored to bolster digital health literacy. This oversight leaves a considerable portion of the population in the shadows, devoid of the benefits of evolving digital healthcare platforms.

The landscape of healthcare has experienced a monumental shift in the WHO European Region over recent times, as is evident from the burgeoning adoption rate of digital health solutions. This transformation has redefined the dynamics of patient care.

Released during the Second WHO Symposium on the Future of Health Systems in a Digital Era held for the European Region, the report encompasses insights from all 53 member nations. Many countries within this bracket witnessed a spontaneous surge in the creation and deployment of digital health tools and policies due to the pressing demands of the COVID-19 pandemic – a time dominated by lockdowns and social distancing mandates. This led to the broader acceptance of telemedicine services and the advent of user-centric health applications. However, the report firmly stresses that the journey is far from complete.

A pressing concern is the evident disparity in the adoption and assimilation of digital health solutions across the region. This “digital health divide” implies that a staggering number of individuals are yet to harness the potential benefits of digital health advancements.

Diving deeper, the report draws attention to several pivotal areas:

• Of the countries surveyed, 44 have an established national digital health strategy.
  
• A unanimous consensus is seen with all 53 member nations having legislation that focuses on protecting individual data privacy.
  
• However, there’s a considerable disparity in the preparedness and execution, with only 19 countries offering guidance on evaluating the efficacy and safety of digital health initiatives.
  
• Slightly above 50% of these countries have put forth policies advocating digital health literacy and have set into motion a digital inclusion agenda.
  
• The pandemic saw 30 countries devising legislation to champion the cause of telehealth.
  
• An area that requires immediate attention is the oversight of mobile health (mHealth) applications. Many nations lack a dedicated body to ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of these apps. A mere 15% have reported systematic evaluations of state-backed mHealth initiatives.
  
• Just above half of the countries have strategised the application of Big Data and avant-garde analytics within the healthcare domain.

Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, opined on the matter, “In numerous nations, the growth trajectory of digital health platforms has been somewhat sporadic. This approach warrants an overhaul. It’s imperative to perceive digital health as a long-term, strategic investment, rather than a fleeting addition or a privilege enjoyed by a select few. It is a clarion call for our political and health leaders to strategically invest in the digital health infrastructure of tomorrow, today.”

CDC reports nearly half of US states have over 35% of adults living with obesity

Obesity continues to extend its grasp across an increasing number of states in the US, as recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) underscores. According to the fresh batch of information, as of 2022, a minimum of 35% of the adult population in 22 states was categorised as having obesity. This signifies a growth from the 19 states documented in 2021.

Drawing a comparison to a decade prior, the CDC highlighted that no state had reported an adult obesity prevalence of 35% or above, underlining a troubling upward trajectory.

This data has been gleaned from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a meticulously conducted interview survey collaboratively administered by the CDC along with state health departments. The criteria for obesity was a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, as ascertained through the survey.

Three states bore the brunt of obesity with more than 40% of their adult populace having obesity—Louisiana, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. The list further includes Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin, all having an obesity prevalence of at least 35% among adults.

An in-depth examination of the 2022 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps divulges certain demographic groups being disproportionately affected by obesity, with discernible discrepancies across racial and ethnic lines.

The data revealed that a minimum of 35% of American Indian or Alaska Native adults had obesity in 33 states, alongside black adults in 38 states, Hispanic adults in 32 states, while the corresponding figure for white adults stood at 14 states. Notably, the obesity rates among Asian adults did not cross the 35% threshold in any state.

Karen Hacker, MD, MPH, who helms the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, articulated the dire need for enhanced support directed towards obesity prevention and treatment, terming it an “urgent priority”. She elaborated on the multifaceted nature of obesity, being influenced by a gamut of factors including dietary habits, physical activity levels, sleep patterns, genetic factors, and certain medications.

Dr. Hacker emphasised that the solution doesn’t adhere to a one-size-fits-all approach, but acknowledged the effectiveness of certain key strategies like addressing core social determinants of health. These include better access to healthcare, the availability of healthy and affordable food, and safe venues for engaging in physical activity.

The CDC’s 2022 maps accentuate the necessity for population-centric interventions to ensure universal access to healthy foods, safe exercising environments, stigma-free obesity prevention and treatment initiatives, alongside evidence-backed healthcare services encompassing medication and surgery.

The repercussions of obesity extend beyond the societal stigma, with individuals suffering from obesity being at an escalated risk for severe health conditions like heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, deteriorated mental health, and aggravated repercussions from COVID-19, as per CDC’s observations.

In a bid to combat this escalating obesity epidemic, the CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity is propelling a slew of proven strategies at the state and local levels. These strategies encompass making physical activity safer and more accessible, facilitating healthier food choices, promoting breastfeeding, fortifying obesity prevention standards in early care and education settings, and augmenting the availability and access to family healthy weight programs.

The CDC has been vociferous in endorsing supportive environments for healthy eating and active lifestyles across various settings. Among the suggested preventative strategies are increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, encouraging breastfeeding, embracing physical activity, averting sedentary lifestyles, and minimising screen time, all of which are projected to play a vital role in reversing the obesity trend sweeping the nation.

Scientists call for government action on portion sizes to tackle childhood obesity

Leading scientists are urging the government to establish standard portion sizes for young children as part of efforts to combat the obesity epidemic. In a damning report, government scientific advisers have revealed that young children are consuming excessive amounts of salt and sugar while falling short on fruit, fibre, and vegetable intake.

Official data indicates that one in ten reception-age children in the UK now has obesity, with experts projecting that the obesity crisis will cost the NHS £10 billion annually by 2050. The report from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) highlights the absence of formal guidance on appropriate portion sizes for young children and emphasises the need for policymakers to address this issue. Oversized servings are contributing to the rapid consumption of excessive calories.

According to the report’s authors, the current diet of young children in the UK fails to meet the recommended dietary guidelines for several nutrients. They note that larger portion sizes of snacks and meals provided in preschool settings are associated with higher food and energy intake in the short term. To address these concerns, the authors recommend that the government consider developing age-appropriate portion sizes for food and beverages, including vegetables, fruit, fruit juice, and milk, targeting children aged 1 to 5 years.

The SACN, known for its advocacy of the forthcoming ban on fast-food advertising before 9 pm from 2025 and the fortification of bread with folic acid, has identified excessive sugar consumption as a widespread issue, leading to dental problems that pose long-term health risks for individuals and place a persistent burden on the NHS.

The report reveals that nutritional imbalances are prevalent in the average diet, with children from disadvantaged backgrounds experiencing even worse dietary quality. Commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, the report provides the first update on recommended food and beverage consumption for children aged one to five in nearly two decades. Based on a comprehensive review of two decades of studies and data, the panel of nutrition experts and paediatricians who form the SACN made several recommendations, highlighting the urgency of addressing the “high prevalence” of overweight and obesity in children in the UK.

Official figures indicate that approximately 3% of reception-age children have severe obesity, and one in ten children at this age meet the threshold for obesity.

The report authors also suggest that repeated exposure to initially disliked vegetables can help children develop a preference for them. They recommend that parents persistently offer the vegetable to their child eight to ten times to increase acceptance.

Additional recommendations from the report include avoiding fizzy drinks for children under the age of five, consuming unsweetened yoghurt products, and making milk and water the primary beverage choices. Semi-skimmed cow’s milk is acceptable, but fully skimmed milk should be avoided until age 5.

Bridget Benelam, a Nutrition Scientist from the British Nutrition Foundation, highlighted the report’s findings, stating that the diets of 1-5-year-olds were inadequate, characterised by excessive sugar, salt, and unhealthy energy-dense foods, and insufficient fibre, fruit, and vegetables.

The report also emphasises the importance of early childhood nutrition, not only for growth and development but also for establishing healthy habits that will benefit children later in life.

The report suggests several strategies for the government to consider, including promoting continued breastfeeding into the second year of life, ensuring children receive daily vitamin D and A supplements, and providing adequate vitamins and minerals for vegan families who may lack these nutrients commonly found in animal products.

A government spokesperson acknowledged that the report’s recommendations are being noted and considered. They highlighted the Start for Life resources, which provide expert NHS advice, helpful videos, and simple recipe ideas to support families in providing healthy meals for babies and young children.

Obesity rates in the UK propel NHS prescription expenditure beyond £10 billion

As obesity rates continue to escalate in the UK, National Health Service (NHS) officials report that the annual expenditure on prescription medication has crossed the £10 billion mark.

During the financial year of 2022/23, the NHS allocated £10.4 billion to prescription drugs, which is an approximately 10% increase compared to the preceding year.

A pivotal factor contributing to this surge in spending is the sharp rise in prescriptions for type 2 diabetes medications, such as dapagliflozin and metformin. The NHS spent an estimated £1.4 billion on these medications alone, as per the new report.

Currently, over 60% of the population in the UK is considered overweight, and this figure is expected to climb in the foreseeable future.

In response to the burgeoning obesity crisis, the UK Government plans to provide the weight loss injection semaglutide to individuals struggling with obesity. The medication, branded as Ozempic and Wegovy, is presently available through the NHS for certain patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Last year, the drug accounted for nearly £107 million of the NHS’s expenditure, making it the 11th most costly prescription medication.

The report also highlighted that the anticoagulant Apixaban, used to prevent blood clots, topped the list as the most expensive drug, costing the NHS over £400 million.

Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum lamented the fact that little had been done over the past 25 years to prevent obesity. “We are now faced with a staggering number of individuals who require medication to shed weight. Failing to prevent the condition means we are inevitably burdened with exorbitant costs to address it,” he stated.

Fry criticised the NHS for incurring high treatment expenses, stressing that preventative measures are invariably more cost-effective. “Starting from infancy, proactive measures are imperative. It is deeply frustrating to witness the government’s inertia,” he added.

He asserted that prioritising the prevention of obesity, especially during the first five years of life, could save the NHS a substantial amount of money in the long run.

Recent studies reveal that 10% of children have obesity by the time they enter primary school, with this figure rising to one in five by year six. Individuals with obesity are at a heightened risk of developing various health issues, including type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and cardiovascular diseases.

In response to the criticisms, a Government spokesperson defended their efforts to combat obesity. “We have implemented various strategies, including restrictions on the placement of unhealthy foods in supermarkets, menu calorie labelling, and collaborative initiatives with the industry to promote healthier food options,” they stated.

The spokesperson also highlighted the success of the voluntary sugar reduction program in significantly decreasing the sugar content in children’s foods. They credited the sugar tax with halving the amount of sugar in soft drinks.

John O’Connell, Chief Executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, expressed concerns over the financial burden on taxpayers. “The public is undoubtedly exasperated with bearing these costs, especially when cheaper alternatives are available over the counter,” he remarked.

He urged NHS authorities to take decisive measures to curtail the issue, adding, “The evident ineffectiveness of the existing ban necessitates further action to mitigate these relentless prescriptions.”

Survey reveals Ireland has second highest rate of obesity in EU

New data indicates that Ireland ranks second within the European Union (EU) for obesity rates, with over a quarter of its adult population falling into this category.

Statistics released by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, show that in 2019, obesity was prevalent in 26% of the Irish adult population. This figure significantly overshadows the EU average of 16%, with only Malta recording a higher rate at 28%. Comparatively, Ireland ranked seventh in a similar survey in 2014, with an obesity rate of 18%.

However, when examining the combined data for those classified as overweight, including individuals identified as having obesity and “pre-obesity,” Ireland presents a better picture. Over half of the adults in the country, about 56%, are categorised as having overweight, which positions Ireland near the middle among the 27 EU nations. Croatia and Malta top this list with 64% of their adults having overweight, while Italy and France record the lowest figures, with 45% of adults in these countries classified as having overweight.

Body Mass Index (BMI), a metric that measures body fat in relation to an individual’s height and weight, is used to determine whether a person has overweight. A BMI of 25 or above classifies a person as having overweight, while a BMI of 30 or higher indicates obesity. A BMI range of 18.5-25 is considered normal.

In 2019, according to Eurostat data, slightly over half of all adults in the EU had overweight. Of this population, 45% maintained normal weight, 53% were classified as having overweight, and nearly 3% were considered underweight.

A representative from Eurostat emphasised the serious public health implications of obesity, which notably elevates the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer. The spokesperson further explained that obesity could also be linked with various psychological issues. “The societal implications of obesity are significant, resulting in substantial direct and indirect costs that place considerable burden on healthcare and social resources,” they said.

The study discovered that in all 27 EU member states, more men than women had overweight. In Ireland, this discrepancy was evident with 61% of males having overweight compared to 49% of females. However, the rates of obesity were relatively equal, with 26% of Irish men and 25% of Irish women categorised as having obesity.

Eurostat’s data also highlighted a correlation between age and weight, with higher rates of individuals with overweight in older age groups, excluding those aged 75 and above. The highest rate of individuals with obesity in Ireland (32%) was documented among individuals aged between 65-74.

Moreover, a clear link was identified between educational attainment and weight, with a decreasing prevalence of individuals with overweight as education levels increased.

Geographically, in Ireland, people residing in the Border region, which includes counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan, and Sligo, exhibited the highest likelihood of having overweight or obesity. Around 59% of adults in this region had overweight, and 30% had obesity. In contrast, the west region (counties Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon) and the south-west region (Cork and Kerry) recorded the lowest rates of individuals with overweight, at 53%.

The Central Statistics Office compiled these Irish figures by analysing a survey of approximately 7,600 individuals, conducted as part of the Irish Health Survey 2019.

More than half of the world will have overweight or obesity by 2035 – report

A new report by the World Obesity Federation predicts that more than half of the global population will have overweight or obesity by 2035. The report estimates that by 2035, 2.7 billion adults worldwide will have overweight, and 1.1 billion will have obesity.

The report points out that having overweight or obesity is a significant risk factor for many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer. The cost of treating these diseases puts a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide, with the federation estimating it will cost more than $4 trillion annually by 2035, or 3% of global GDP.

The report warns that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem by limiting access to healthy food and exercise opportunities, increasing stress and anxiety, and disrupting healthcare services. People who have overweight or obesity are also more likely to experience severe symptoms or complications from COVID-19.

The report calls for urgent action to address the growing obesity crisis, including measures to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and access to healthcare. It also calls for better regulation of the food industry to ensure that healthy options are available and affordable to all.

The authors of the report note that the obesity crisis is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted response from governments, healthcare providers, and individuals. They stress the importance of a coordinated and sustained effort to prevent and treat obesity, which they believe is essential for the health and well-being of individuals and societies worldwide.

The authors of the report have said they are not blaming individuals, but instead calling for a focus on the societal, environmental, and biological factors involved in the conditions. The report’s findings will be presented to United Nations policymakers and member states next week.

Obesity rates likely to double by 2030 with highest increases in lower-income countries

New global estimates indicate that more than a billion people worldwide will have obesity by 2030, which is twice the number recorded in 2010. Unfortunately, no country is on track to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of halting obesity by 2025, and the number of people affected is predicted to rise drastically over the next eight years. Specifically, the number of people with obesity is expected to triple in low-income countries compared to 2010. The figures are from the fourth World Obesity Atlas, which was published by the World Obesity Federation.

The rise in obesity has been fastest in low- and middle-income countries. The highest rates of obesity are found in North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and the numbers of people with obesity in Africa are expected to triple, with more women affected than men. The report also states that obesity was a major contributor to Covid-19 deaths. Almost a quarter (22%) of preventable deaths from non-communicable diseases in Africa are attributed to being from overweight.

Dr. Adelheid Onyango, from the WHO’s regional office for Africa, noted that undernutrition remains a significant problem across the continent, but the growing problem of obesity cannot be ignored. The region has weak policies and regulatory systems concerning processed, high-fat, and sugary foods, which contributes to the problem of obesity.

The World Obesity Atlas also ranked countries in terms of their preparedness for obesity, including their health systems. High-income countries are the most prepared, while lower middle- and low-income countries are the least prepared, increasing concerns about the impact of obesity on already vulnerable populations.

More than 150 health experts and advocates have written to health ministers calling for an international action plan to tackle obesity. The World Obesity Federation’s chief executive, Johanna Ralston, said political and health leaders must recognise the severity of the situation and take decisive and people-centred action to address the issue.

WHO: Obesity in Europe at ‘epidemic proportions’

The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe has released a report warning that obesity rates in the European Region have reached “epidemic proportions.” 

The report states that the number of adults and children who have overweight or obesity is increasing, with 59% of adults and nearly one in three children affected. The report also highlights that no country in the European region is currently on track to halt the rise of obesity by 2025. Early studies from some countries showed that the prevalence of having overweight or obesity increased in children and teenagers during the pandemic.

The report highlights meal delivery apps as a potential contributor to the obesity problem, as they may encourage sedentary behaviour. The use of these apps was accelerated during the pandemic when people were advised to stay at home. The report recommends policies to ensure that restaurants that are required to display nutrition information also do so on apps. It also suggests that, where applicable, meal delivery companies be classified as food businesses to be held accountable in the same way.

The report finds that obesity and overweight are responsible for more than 1.2 million deaths across the region each year. Kremlin Wickramsinghe, ad interim head of the WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, called for the attention of the highest level of governments during a briefing, highlighting that obesity is linked to at least 13 different types of cancer and is likely directly causing at least 200,000 new cancer cases every year in the region. In some countries, the report predicts that obesity will overtake smoking as the leading risk factor for preventable cancer in the decades ahead.

The WHO report warns that if action is not taken to address the issue, the burden of obesity-related illnesses and the associated healthcare costs will continue to rise, placing significant strain on healthcare systems and national budgets.

France sees a surprising surge in obesity

An article in The Economist titled “France sees a surprising surge in obesity” highlights the recent increase in obesity rates in France. The article notes that despite being known for its healthy eating habits and cuisine, France is experiencing a rise in obesity levels, particularly among children, and attributes the increase to a shift towards more sedentary lifestyles, as well as the availability of unhealthy food options. The article also discusses the potential health consequences of the trend and the need for public health initiatives to address the issue. The article concludes by stating that the obesity epidemic is a growing concern in many countries, and addressing the issue will require a multi-faceted approach, including changes in government policies, increased access to healthy food, and increased physical activity.