Launch of the WHO European Regional Obesity Report 2022
Obesity is the highest contributor to disability in the WHO European Region, and current trends predict that in some countries, obesity will overtake other risk factors to become the highest risk factor for developing cancer. Furthermore, people living with obesity often experience mental health problems. WHO/Europe will publish the new “WHO European Regional Obesity Report 2022” and present findings at a high-profile online event on 3 May.
In the European Region, 2/3 of adults and 1 in 3 primary-school-aged children are living with overweight or obesity. Preliminary data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic made the problem of obesity worse. The new report aims to highlight the magnitude of this problem and to accelerate efforts to address it.
Challenging questions and latest data
The report prepared by the WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD Office), raises challenging questions and gives the latest data on the following topics:
- how the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have profound impacts on individuals, obesogenic environments and health systems, including obesity contributing to worse COVID-19 outcomes;
- how obesity affects the risk of getting cancer and surviving cancer;
- how we can provide quality treatment and management to those who are living with obesity in an equitable way;
- the latest statistic on obesity levels in Member States of the Region.
- In addition, the report includes the latest evidence-based recommendations for decision-makers to consider.
The event will bring together health experts, decision-makers, media representatives and members of the general public.