Study predicts adult obesity prevalence in almost all European countries by 2030

Ireland among those with highest projected rates

2014-05-09

(Press-News.org) Amsterdam, 9 May. Rates of obesity and overweight in both male and females are projected to increase in almost all countries of Europe by 2030, according to a statistical modelling study. However, the forecast rates vary throughout the 53 Euro-region countries, with projected male obesity levels ranging from 15% in the Netherlands and Belgium, to 47% in Ireland. The highest obesity prevalence in females was projected in Ireland (47%), and the lowest in Romania (10%).

The study, from investigators which included the WHO Regional Office for Europe, was presented at the EuroPRevent congress in Amsterdam by Dr Laura Webber from the UK Health Forum in London.(1,2)

In reviewing the results, she said: "Our study presents a worrying picture of rising obesity across Europe. Policies to reverse this trend are urgently needed."

Behind her concerns lies a statistical modelling study which incorporated all available data on body mass index (BMI) and obesity/overweight trends in all 53 of the WHO's Euro-region countries. Such modelling, said the authors, "enables obesity trends to be forecast forward providing estimates of the dynamic epidemiology of the disease". Definitions were based on the WHO's standard cut=offs - healthy weight (BMI ≤24.99 kg/m²), overweight and obesity combined (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) and obesity (≥30 kg/m²).

In almost all countries the proportion of overweight and obesity in males was projected to increase between 2010 and 2030 - to reach 75% in UK, 80% in Czech Republic, Spain and Poland, and 90% in Ireland, the highest level calculated. The lowest projected levels of overweight and obesity were found in Belgium (44%), and the Netherlands (47%). Similar trends in overweight and obesity were projected in women, with Ireland again showing the greatest proportion (84%).

Similarly, the projected proportions of male obesity were found high in Ireland (58%), Greece (40%), Czech Republic (38%) and UK (35%). The lowest male obesity prevalence was projected in Romania (10%).

The study also highlighted several other trends, notably that the projections "show little evidence" of any plateau in adult obesity rates throughout Europe. In England, for example, although the increase in obesity prevalence trend is less steep with recent data than with historical data, levels are still set to rise and rates in 2030 and will be much higher then than in 1993.

In explaining the variations in projected obesity levels between countries the investigators note the possible effect of "economic positioning" and "type of market". " The UK and Ireland, where obesity prevalence is among the highest, possess unregulated liberal market economies similar to the US, where the collective actions of big multinational food companies to maximise profit encourages over-consumption," they write. "The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Austria possess more regulated market economies." Obesity is, however, a multi-factorial disease.

Commenting on the public health implications of the study, Dr Webber said: "Given the complexity of obesity, the United Nations has called for a whole-of-society approach to preventing obesity and related diseases. Policies that reduce obesity are necessary to avoid premature mortality and prevent economic strain on already overburdened health systems. The WHO has put in place strategies that aim to guide countries towards reducing obesity through the promotion of physical activity and healthy diets."

She added that the results of the present study may be underestimates "given what we know about increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in childhood across Europe", as well as the poor data availability in many countries with which to make more certain estimates of the future.

INFORMATION: References 1. Webber L, Divajeval D, Marsh T, et al. The European obese model: the shape of things to come. Please see the details of the session here: http://spo.escardio.org/SessionDetails.aspx?eevtid=66&sessId=13594 The abstract can be found in the press kit on site or should be requested at press@escardio.org

2. Two of the authors, Gauden Galea and João Breda, are staff members of the World Health Organization. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper, which does not necessarily represent the decisions, policy or views of the World Health Organization.

Notes to Editor Did you want to tweet about our congress? - if you do, please use the official #Europrevent hashtag! Thank you

About EuroPrevent EuroPrevent is the annual congress of the European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (EACPR), an association of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

About the European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation (EACPR) The European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation (EACPR) is a registered branch of the ESC. Its aim is to promote excellence in research, practice, education and policy in cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation in Europe.

About the European Society of Cardiology The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) represents more than 80 000 cardiology professionals across Europe and the Mediterranean. Its mission is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in Europe.

Information for journalists attending EuroHeartCare 2014

If you have any question or request regarding interview opportunities, please contact: ESC Press Office
Alice Prieto
press@escardio.org
Tel: +336 25 24 60 27 (off site support number)

EuroPRevent 2014 takes place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on 8-10 May 2014 at the Rai Congress Center.

Look here for the current programme at a glance: http://www.escardio.org/congresses/europrevent-2014/scientific-programme/Pages/welcome.aspx

For full details of a session, have a look at the Scientific Programme & Planner: http://spo.escardio.org/Welcome.aspx?eevtid=30

On-site Press registration process: Free registration applies to press representatives upon receipt of valid credentials and a fully completed embargo form. (to be sent to press@escardio.org) Credential: either your ID press card or letter of assignment with proof of 3 published articles Press registration is not available to Industry or its Public Relations representatives, event management, marketing or communications representatives The decision of the ESC Press Office is final regarding all press registration requests. When your registration as press will be validated you will be given a press badge and the press kit. END

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