The past two years of the Covid-19 pandemic have made that worse.
Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said: “Obesity knows no borders. In Europe and Central Asia, no country has achieved the WHO Global NCD target of containment. increase in obesity,” said Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, while presenting the report at the European Congress on Obesity.
“The countries in our Region are incredibly diverse, but each is challenged to some extent. By creating more conducive environments, promoting investment and innovation in medicine. while developing robust and resilient health systems, we can change the trajectory of obesity in the region.”
The environmental factors that characterize life in the highly digitalized societies of modern Europe are the main causes of obesity.
Besides, the digital marketing of unhealthy food products to children,
The report also blamed easy access to unhealthy foods through meal-delivery apps for the rise in obesity cases.
“Emerging evidence highlights the role of meal delivery apps in extending physical food environments and providing convenient access to non-existent food and beverage options,” the report said. healthy with just the swipe of a finger”.
It added that the rise of online gaming that promotes sedentary behavior by reducing opportunities for physical activity is contributing to the rising tide of overweight and obesity in the European Region.
Increased body fat increases the risk of many diseases, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart and lung problems. It is also a major cause of disability, the report said.
It is estimated
obesity is leading to 1.2 million deaths annually in Europe,
corresponds to more than 13 percent of all deaths.
Addressing obesity is critical to achieving the sustainable development goals, the report adds.
The new WHO report also outlines policy interventions such as implementing a tax on sugary drinks or subsidizing healthy foods; restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods to children; improve access to obesity and overweight management services in primary health care, as part of universal health coverage.
Source: IANS
