Obesity
Obesity is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Its prevalence has tripled in many countries of the WHO European Region since the 1980s, and the numbers of those affected continue to rise at an alarming rate. In addition to causing various physical disabilities and psychological problems, excess weight drastically increases a person’s risk of developing a number of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.
WHO/Europe approaches to obesityTop story
New WHO study shows more action needed to monitor and limit digital marketing of unhealthy products to children
A new report from WHO/Europe calls for greater monitoring of the digital marketing of alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy food products, especially those high in salt, sugar and fat. It comes amid the advertising industry’s continued efforts to target children and adolescents on social media and on difficult-to-track mobile devices.
News
- New WHO study shows more action needed to monitor and limit digital marketing of unhealthy products to children
- WHO studies reveal Kazakhstan has among the highest levels of salt intake globally
- Award-winning study driven by WHO Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative
Events
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Publications
What is the evidence on the policy specifications, development processes and effectiveness of existing front-of-pack food labelling policies in the WHO European Region? (2018)
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Key resources
- Vienna Declaration on Nutrition and Noncommunicable Diseases in the Context of Health 2020
- European Charter on Counteracting Obesity
- Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases in the WHO European Region 2016–2025
- European Food and Nutrition Action Plan 2015–2020
Data and statistics
60%
The percentage of children who are overweight before puberty that will be overweight in early adulthood.
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