The fattening Europe: 60% of the population is obese. Are we on the way to becoming the United States?

With nearly three-quarters of its population overweight , excess weight has been a public health problem in the United States for years. A recent study shows that 74% of adults are overweight, and nearly 43% of them are obese. This means that, on average, more than half of adults have serious problems with fat.

The country's population has gained exponentially in recent decades, fueled by fast food, pastries, various ultra-processed foods, soft drinks, a sedentary lifestyle , and a host of other bad lifestyle habits. A good example of this increase is the adult obesity rate, which has doubled from 1990 to 2021.

Although North America is the great example we all have in mind when we talk about a country with overweight, the truth is that Europe is not far behind. As the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights to this newspaper , the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased rapidly in recent decades on our continent. Between 2006 and 2016, obesity rates grew by 21%, and since 1975, a remarkable 138%. Similarly, overweight (including obesity) rose by 8% in the 10 years prior to 2016 and by 51% since 1975.

These figures show how overweight and obesity remain significant public health problems in the WHO European Region. In fact, according to data from the Global Health Observatory (WHO), nearly 60% of adults in the Old Continent suffer from this condition, one of the highest prevalence rates in the world, surpassed only by that of the Americas. These figures contribute to more than 1.2 million annual deaths and more than 13% of total mortality.

Spain is a clear example of how weight has steadily increased in recent decades. A report presented this week by the Ministry of Health shows that the prevalence in adults has increased considerably since the end of the 20th century. In 1987, 45.3% of men and 33.5% of women were overweight or obese, and in 2023, these figures stood at 62.2% for men and 48% for women. A similar trend has occurred in childhood.

If we look beyond our borders, among European men, Romania and Poland are the most overweight countries (76%), and a third of Romanian (38%) and Polish (32%) men are obese, followed by Croatia and Slovakia with 74% overweight, according to data from the European Food Information Council (EUFIC).

On the other hand, France has the lowest prevalence of overweight among men, at 41% (10% are obese), followed by the Netherlands (54%, at 15%) and Denmark (56%, at 16%). Among women, French women also have the lowest rates of overweight and obesity (30%, at 10%), followed by Austria (34%, at 13%) and Denmark (36%, at 11%).

In contrast, Irish women have the highest prevalence, at 62% (28% with obesity), followed by Romanians and Croatians (both with 58%, and 32% and 28% with obesity, respectively). According to the EUFIC, this is due to a combination of socioeconomic factors, dietary habits, physical activity, access to sports facilities, and public policies.

Will the European population be like that of the US?

The exponential rise in overweight rates puts us closer to what we think of North Americans, as Dr. Kremlin Wickramasinghe , WHO advisor for the European region on nutrition, physical activity and obesity, explains to El Confidencial: “Although the United States continues to have a higher overall prevalence, Europe is not far behind.” “In several countries, particularly in the south and east, trends mirror those observed in the US, which is of great concern. Europe has one of the best childhood obesity surveillance systems (COSI) in the world, with more than 45 countries measuring primary school children using the same methods, and COSI data shows that 25% of primary school children are overweight or obese,” the specialist explains.

The WHO expert is clear that if current trends persist without effective policy intervention, "Europe could approach US levels within a few decades." He emphasizes that this risk is particularly high in the case of childhood obesity, where rates are rising rapidly and preventive measures remain insufficient. "The main reason for this risk is the lack of implementation of evidence-based policies. We know what works, but many European countries have not been able to implement them as mandatory policy measures. There is a risk that obesity will continue to rise if we continue as we are. We have learned that initiatives such as measuring the problem, showcasing best practices, or conducting pilot projects will not be enough to change the current trend," he explains.

Pau Gasol also warns about childhood obesity worldwide. The former basketball player has dedicated himself to combating this epidemic in children through his foundation and is clear that Europe is moving in the same direction as the United States, the country that called him home for almost 20 years. "We are heading in that direction, moving away from what we have been very proud of throughout our history: the Mediterranean diet, healthy food, healthy living, longevity, and physical activity, walking to places and being active," Gasol explained in an interview with this newspaper.

The WHO specialist points out that comparing Europe and the US in the mirror can be interesting , although it also has its nuances: “International comparisons are always useful, but with the necessary caution. Not all countries use the same methods in their national surveys. Comparison alone won't help curb the rise in obesity, but it can help us understand some possible future scenarios.”

In any case, Dr. Wickramasinghe points out that "preventing a similar epidemic will require comprehensive, multisectoral strategies that promote healthier diets, increased physical activity, and supportive environments. No single measure will be sufficient; only a coordinated approach at all levels of society will succeed."

And when it comes to shopping, he cites as an example that "some South American countries, such as Chile, have begun implementing mandatory policies to introduce front-of-package labels, restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, and implement school nutrition policies." However, "in Europe, few countries have begun implementing these mandatory policies, but we need the full implementation of a comprehensive set of policies to make a difference and curb the rise in overweight and obesity."

Risks of being overweight: from stroke to cancer

Among the most notable risks of excess weight are cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure , heart attacks, and strokes. Excess body fat, especially in the abdominal region, causes alterations in the function of the heart and blood vessels, promoting the development of these diseases.

Type 2 diabetes is another disease closely linked to overweight and obesity. Insulin resistance caused by excess adipose tissue hinders normal blood sugar regulation, which can lead to this chronic condition with severe health impacts.

Metabolic problems are also common, manifesting in elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as metabolic syndrome, which includes various cardiovascular risk factors and diabetes. They are also at greater risk of respiratory diseases such as sleep apnea, where the airways are compromised during nighttime rest, affecting sleep quality and oxygenation.

The osteoarticular system is particularly affected by excess weight, with accelerated wear and tear on the joints, mainly in the knees and hips , which can lead to osteoarthritis and chronic pain that limits mobility.

Liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, are also more common in overweight people, increasing the risk of inflammation and severe liver damage. Similarly, various studies have shown that being overweight and obese increases the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer, including colon, breast, endometrial, and pancreatic cancer.

Added to all this is the psychological impact, which is no small feat, as those facing these conditions may suffer from low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, often as a result of social stigma and difficulties maintaining a healthy weight.