Commission presents results of Eurobarometer on health, food and nutrition  - November 2006

Most Europeans consider themselves to be in good health, but 38% feel they are overweight, according to the results of the latest Eurobarometer on Health, Food and Nutrition presented by the European Commission today. The survey, which reveals that 95% of EU citizens agree that obesity is harmful for health, addresses the health and physical characteristics of Europeans, their diet and general eating habits, problems related to being overweight, and their physical activity levels. Eating more vegetables and less fat are the most frequent changes that Europeans say they are introducing in their eating habits. However, most respondents report feeling trapped in a sedentary life that restricts their attempts to lead a healthy lifestyle. Less than 30% of Europeans carry out “intensive” physical activity on a regular basis. Most Europeans (85%) feel public authorities should play a stronger role in fighting obesity. Nine out of ten Europeans feel that marketing and advertising influence children in their food and drink choices. 

Commission presents results of Eurobarometer on Avian Flu

Europeans are well informed about avian influenza and have confidence in the actions of EU and national authorities to tackle it, but significant gaps in knowledge remain about the risks, according to a special Eurobarometer survey on avian influenza published by the Commission and conducted in March and April 2006. Most respondents (between 70% and 80% according to the type of measures) correctly identified specific surveillance, control and eradication measures taken to prevent and contain avian flu outbreaks, and 70% of respondents agree that EU public authorities are guided in their actions by genuine concern about the health of European citizens.

Food risk perceptions in Europe: the Eurobarometer report

The Eurobarometer survey from February 2006, provides valuable insights on consumers’ perception of health risks, and in particular those related to food safety. Overall, consumers’ perception of food is positive, food safety concerns are not top-of-mind and the role of public authorities in protecting consumer interests is valued. Findings on consumers’ most trusted information sources as well as their exposure and response to media coverage on food-related health issues can have important implications for the development of risk communications that effectively addresses and meets consumer needs and concerns.

Citizens of the European Union and sport – November 2004

In 2004, 38% of citizens throughout the 25 member States of the Union declare that
they do sport at least once a week. The development compared to 2003 is positive:
the practice of sport at least once a week in the European Union of 15 member States reached only 3 citizens out of 10.

European Union citizens and sources of information about health – March 2003

Between 1st September and 7th October 2002, European citizens were asked about their preferred sources of information for health-related topics.

HEALTH, FOOD AND ALCOHOL AND SAFETY – December 2003

Europeans believe their eating habits are ‘fairly good’, while one-third has changed their
eating or drinking habits in the previous three years. The four most important changes
were eating more fruits and vegetables, eating less fat, drinking more water and eating
fewer calories. The Nordics changed their habits the most, and Austria, Spain and
Portugal the least.

THE HEALTH OF ADULTS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION – December 2003

In 2002, the health of the European population was assessed on five levels: perceived health, chronic morbidity (long-standing illness), activity restriction due to a health problem, sensory and physical functional limitations. The vast majority (67.8%) of EU citizens aged 15 years and over considered themselves to be healthy, only 5.7% perceiving themselves to be in bad or worse health. A quarter (25.3%) reported chronic morbidity and a quarter (26.3%) had activity restriction with 6.2% severely restricted.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY – December 2003

In 2003, the physical activity in the Member States was assessed using the “International Physical Activity Questionnaire” (IPAQ). The goal of the IPAQ is to allow a cross-cultural comparison of physical activity parameters. The IPAQ measures the frequency, duration, and level of intensity of physical activity in the last 7 days.