Eating HabitsEating Habits

FIGHTING OBESITY

From a publicationof the European Union

It is estimated that over 200 million adults are overweight or obese in the EU — over half the adult

population.

One in four children are also overweight or obese. Obesity leads to serious physical and mental health problems including heart disease, diabetes,cancer and psychological disorders. It accounts for up to 8 % of the EU’s healthcare costs. Since obesity is a complex problem, it is vital to pool a wide range of expertise at local, national and international level.Coordination at EU level is essential.

 

The EU Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, set up in 2005, brings together a widerange of European organisations committed to tacklingpoor nutrition and physical inactivity. To date, it hastriggered 300 actions by key EU actors in industry andcivil society, including a voluntary restriction of themarketing of soft drinks to children under 12 years old,better nutritional information in restaurants, theredesign of recipes to lower salt, sugar and fat levels,and the promotion of sport in schools.

 

In 2007, the EU established a High-Level Group on Nutrition and Physical Activity, which has brought

together government representatives from all EU countries, Norway and Switzerland to work towards

solutions for obesity-related health issues. Other efforts include the introduction of EU-wide rulesfor food labelling. These mean that consumers in all EU countries can rely on food labels to give them

accurate information on health and nutritional values. For example, if a food claims to be ‘good for your heart’, this must have been scientifically proven. Nutrition labels must also include clear details on the level of energy, fat, saturates, carbohydrates, salt and sugar.

 

Finally, a number of projects are supported by the EU’s health programme and the research framework programme to reduce and prevent obesity. Between 2007 and 2011, the EU helped to fund 27 projects related to diabetes and obesity at a total cost of €123 million.