WHO report highlights the dangers of obesity

ABSTRACT

The WHO European Regional Obesity Report 2022 warned of the major health effects of growing obesity on 3 May 2022. In the WHO European Region, over two thirds of adults and one-third of children are overweight or obese. Obesity causes 13 forms of cancer, is a leading cause of death and disability in the region, and requires multidisciplinary treatment. Obesity will replace smoking as the leading cause of avoidable cancer in various countries, according to the analysis. According to the research, obesity should be addressed as a disease, not only a risk factor. The European Region has the second-highest adult obesity rate in the WHO, after the Americas. Overweight and obesity kill more than 1.3 million people worldwide, but these statistics may be low. Overweight and obesity are epidemic in Europe, including males (63%), females (54%). High-income countries have higher rates. The Mediterranean and eastern European countries have the most overweight and obesity. Obese people are more likely to contract COVID-19 and die, and many have had trouble accessing obesity management therapies due to the pandemic. The epidemic has also increased obesity risk factors like sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy food habits, according to preliminary statistics. The WHO recommends prioritizing some immediate policies, such as prohibiting the promotion of unhealthy foods to children, taxing sugar-sweetened beverages, and enhancing the health system's response to obesity management, then creating a practical plan to adopt other interventions later.