Counteraction against obesity--is it possible?

Abstract

The obesity epidemic is one of the most serious public health problems across many countries. In Poland more than half of the adult population has excessive body weight, while approx. 20% are obese. 15-20% of children and adolescents suffer from excessive body weight, while 4% of them are obese. Moreover, the number of overweight or obese children is growing alarmingly. Obesity can lead to many serious health consequences. Though the most serious disorders are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes type 2 and some cancers. In the nearest future diseases related to obesity will probably become the main cause of death in many countries. This may lead to shorter average life expectancy. The treatment costs of obesity and related diseases are constantly increasing. The most important preventive measure aiming at curbing the effects of obesity involves lifestyle change, including a change in diet and physical activity. The best results should be obtained by multifaceted programmes, which cover activities aiming at the improvement of both diet and physical activity. Due to the spread of the obesity epidemic, the countries of WHO European Region signed the European Charter on Counteracting Obesity, in which they declared their commitment to combat obesity. Activities aiming at combating obesity in Poland should be closely connected with the implementation of the National Programme for the Prevention of Overweight, Obesity and NonCommunicable Diseases through Diet and Improved Physical Activity, which will be implemented in 2007-2016.