Adilson Marques1,2, Miguel Peralta3, Ana Naia3,4, Nuno Loureiro5, Margarida Gaspar de Matos3,6,7. 1. Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo da Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal. 2. Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal. 3. Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal. 4. Centro de Investigação em Arquitetura, Urbanismo e Design (CIAUD), Faculdade de Arquitetura, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal. 5. Escola Superior de Educação, Instituto Politécnico de Beja, Beja, Portugal. 6. Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal. 7. William James Center for Research, Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada, Lisboa, Portugal.
Abstract
Background: Monitoring obesity and overweight prevalence is important for assessing interventions aimed at preventing or reducing the burden of obesity. This study aimed to provide current data regarding the prevalence of overweight and obesity of adults, from 20 European countries. Methods: Participants were 34 814 (16 482 men) adults with mean age 50.8 ± 17.7. Data from European Social Survey round 7, 2014, were analysed. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from self-reported height and weight. Results: The proportion of underweight was only 2%, and 44.9% for normal weight. Overweight and obese accounted for 53.1%. More men than women were overweight (44.7% vs. 30.5%). Older adults were significantly more overweight (42.4%) and obese (20.9%) than middle age and younger adults. Retired people account for a greater proportion of overweight (42.0%) and obese (21.5%), when compared with employed, unemployed and students. People from rural areas were significantly more overweight (39.1 vs. 36.1%) and obese (17.0 vs. 15.3%) than those who lived in urban areas. The estimates indicate that the highest prevalence of overweight was in Czech Republic (45.2%), Hungary (43.7%) and Lithuania (41.7%). For obesity, Slovenia (20.8%), Estonia (19.7%) and the United Kingdom (19.2%) were the countries with the highest prevalence. Conclusion: Even though data was self-reported, and individuals tend to overestimate their height and underestimate their weight, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is considered high. More than half of the European population is overweight and obese. This study strengthens and updates the claims of an excessive weight epidemic in Europe.
Background: Monitoring obesity and overweight prevalence is important for assessing interventions aimed at preventing or reducing the burden of obesity. This study aimed to provide current data regarding the prevalence of overweight and obesity of adults, from 20 European countries. Methods:Participants were 34 814 (16 482 men) adults with mean age 50.8 ± 17.7. Data from European Social Survey round 7, 2014, were analysed. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from self-reported height and weight. Results: The proportion of underweight was only 2%, and 44.9% for normal weight. Overweight and obese accounted for 53.1%. More men than women were overweight (44.7% vs. 30.5%). Older adults were significantly more overweight (42.4%) and obese (20.9%) than middle age and younger adults. Retired people account for a greater proportion of overweight (42.0%) and obese (21.5%), when compared with employed, unemployed and students. People from rural areas were significantly more overweight (39.1 vs. 36.1%) and obese (17.0 vs. 15.3%) than those who lived in urban areas. The estimates indicate that the highest prevalence of overweight was in Czech Republic (45.2%), Hungary (43.7%) and Lithuania (41.7%). For obesity, Slovenia (20.8%), Estonia (19.7%) and the United Kingdom (19.2%) were the countries with the highest prevalence. Conclusion: Even though data was self-reported, and individuals tend to overestimate their height and underestimate their weight, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is considered high. More than half of the European population is overweight and obese. This study strengthens and updates the claims of an excessive weight epidemic in Europe.
Authors: Emma C Kearns; Naomi M Fearon; Pauric O'Reilly; Cian Lawton; Tim McMackin; Abigail M Walsh; Justin Geogheghan; Helen M Heneghan Journal: Obes Surg Date: 2021-01-08 Impact factor: 4.129
Authors: Kathryn C Fitzgerald; Elias S Sotirchos; Matthew D Smith; Hannah-Noelle Lord; Anna DuVal; Ellen M Mowry; Peter A Calabresi Journal: Ann Neurol Date: 2022-07-13 Impact factor: 11.274
Authors: Lena D Sialino; Laura A Schaap; Sandra H van Oostrom; H Susan J Picavet; Johannes W R Twisk; W M Monique Verschuren; Marjolein Visser; Hanneke A H Wijnhoven Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2021-06-02 Impact factor: 3.921