Obesity
Obesity and overweight are serious problems that pose a huge and growing financial burden on national resources. The health consequences of obesity and overweight are many and varied, ranging from an increased risk of premature death to health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and psychological complaints. The conditions are largely preventable through lifestyle changes such as healthy diets and increased levels of physical activity to control overweight and obesity. Obesity is a complex issue which requires active participation of many groups including governments, health professionals, the food industry, the media and consumers.
European Congress on Obesity: Takeaways from ECO 2019
09 May 2019What are the key messages of this year’s European Congress on Obesity? Here are some contributions from the leading obesity experts who took part in ECO 2019.
European Congress on Obesity 2018: What’s new in obesity research?
29 May 2018EUFIC was back at the 25th European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2018) in Vienna, learning from researchers how their work further helps tackle obesity. Watch the short videos interviews for the key take home messages.
Successful programmes to reduce childhood overweight and obesity
03 May 2018Childhood and adolescence are critical periods to introduce healthy lifestyle habits. This article provides you with successful measures to prevent childhood obesity.
Childhood obesity (Infographic)
24 April 2018Childhood obesity in Europe is increasing, with 1 in 3 11-year-olds classified as having developed either overweight or obesity. This infographic explains the risks of childhood obesity as well as highlighting 10 tips to encourage healthy habits in kids.
In case you missed the European Congress on Obesity 2017
22 May 2017The 24th European Congress on Obesity, took place in the wonderful city of Porto from the 17-20 May, 2017. EUFIC, in collaboration with EASO, has produced short interviews with take home messages. Watch and enjoy!
Questions and Answers About Childhood Obesity
10 May 2017Childhood obesity is a condition of extreme overweight in children and adolescents that can lead to health problems. Here are some tips on how to prevent it.
Childhood Obesity Review
27 April 2017Obesity in Europe has significantly increased, with 1 in 3 children living with obesity. What is childhood obesity and what can we do about it?
Wisdom from the European Obesity Summit 2016 (Playlist)
15 March 2017EUFIC interviewed researchers at the European Obesity Summit 2016 in Gothenburg (Sweden) and asked them how their work contributes to tackling obesity.
Never too late to change: tips from the European Obesity Summit (EOS) 2016
14 September 2016Highlights from the European Obesity Summit (EOS) 2016, in Gothenburg, Sweden. Here we interviewed some speakers, asking them for useful tips to combat this epidemic...
Global obesity target not reached if trend continues
14 July 2016The world has transitioned to more people living with obesity than underweight people, with the exception of some sub-Saharan and Asian regions.
Recommendations from WHO’s Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity
22 April 2016The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity has presented its consensus report with a set of recommendations that are likely to be most effective at tackling the rising trend of children being overweight...
Highlights from the 22nd European Congress on Obesity 2015
02 July 2015The 22nd European Congress on Obesity (ECO), hosted by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), took place in Prague, Czech Republic, in May 2015. Obesity remains a major public health priority in Europe...
Highlights from the 21st European Congress on Obesity 2014
19 December 2014In May 2014, the 21st European Congress on Obesity (ECO), hosted by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), took place in Sofia, Bulgaria. Obesity is one of the fastest developing public health problems of our time...
Combating obesity through national school food policies across Europe
07 October 2014Schools are regarded as a promising intervention target to counteract the increase of childhood obesity levels. In this context, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) published a report this summer...
Highlights from the 20th European Congress on Obesity 2013
10 January 2014In May 2013, the 20th European Congress on Obesity, hosted by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), took place in Liverpool. With the prevalence of obesity still on the rise, the objectives of this annual forum...
Preventing childhood obesity through community-based initiatives
28 August 2013Prevention is widely recognised to be the most efficient and cost-effective way to tackle the obesity epidemic; the most promising approaches target populations rather than individuals, are focused on environmental and policy changes...
Striking differences of overweight and obesity rates in schoolchildren across Europe
12 June 2013Researchers from seven European countries have joined forces to assess overweight and obesity rates and energy-balance related behaviour in schoolchildren throughout Europe. Childhood overweight and obesity rates...
Highlights from the 19th European Congress on Obesity 2012
28 November 2012In May 2012, experts from around the world gathered in Lyon for the 19th European Congress on Obesity. Global rates of obesity are rising rapidly, making the management and prevention of obesity and obesity-related disorders...
Obesity may dampen taste sensitivity in children and adolescents
30 October 2012Young subjects with obesity were found to have a lower ability to identify the correct taste qualities and rated sweetness lower in intensity compared to their peers with normal-weight. These are the results of a cross-sectional study...
Toddlers who develop overweight but not underweight may be perceived by their mothers as healthy
27 July 2012Mothers of toddlers who develop overweight tended to be more satisfied with their child's body size, but less accurate in judging it. In contrast, mothers of underweight toddlers judged their child’s actual body size more accurately...
Brain response to food stimuli may explain link between inadequate sleep and obesity
18 July 2012Sleep restriction might lead to a greater propensity to overeat due to increased activation of the brain in response to food stimuli, according to US researchers from Columbia University and St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York...
Psychological treatment for obesity: Determining what eating behaviours are involved
13 June 2012Currently, there is no consensus on what main problematic eating behaviours are involved in obesity. Researchers from the University of Otago, New Zealand, the Canterbury District Health Board, UK...
Overweight and Obesity Rates in Europe
30 December 2011It is estimated that the number of people living with obesity in Europe has tripled since the 1980’s. But where are the highest obesity rates in Europe reported?
18th European Congress on Obesity gathering researchers from across the world
08 December 2011The 18th European Congress on Obesity took place from 25-28 May 2011, in Istanbul, Turkey. In this podcast, six key speakers at the conference were interviewed.
What’s new in obesity research: Highlights from the 11th International Congress on Obesity 2010
04 June 2011Organised by the International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO) the 11th International Congress of Obesity took place in Stockholm 11th to 15th of July 2010. The Congress gathered scientists from around the globe...
Large portions may contribute to weight gain
13 August 2007Portion sizes of ready-to-eat foods and restaurant meals have steadily increased over the past decade. This has prompted concern from health educators because larger portion sizes may cause over-consumption of energy and weight gain. A new US study suggests that this analysis is correct.
Obesity and overweight
08 June 2006Obesity and overweight are serious problems that pose a huge and growing financial burden on national resources...
Excess weight in childhood and adolescence: prevention and treatment
08 March 2004Consequently, prevention and treatment of childhood obesity is a public health priority. What is the current information on the methods and the results?