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Comparative Study
. 2008 Jun 5:8:200.
doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-8-200.

Obesity prevalence from a European perspective: a systematic review

Anne Berghöfer  1 , Tobias Pischon, Thomas Reinhold, Caroline M Apovian, Arya M Sharma, Stefan N Willich
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Obesity prevalence from a European perspective: a systematic review

Anne Berghöfer et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Obesity has been recognised as an important contributing factor in the development of various diseases, but comparative data on this condition are limited. We therefore aimed to identify and discuss current epidemiological data on the prevalence of obesity in European countries.

Methods: We identified relevant published studies by means of a MEDLINE search (1990-2008) supplemented by information obtained from regulatory agencies. We only included surveys that used direct measures of weight and height and were representative of each country's overall population.

Results: In Europe, the prevalence of obesity (body mass index > or = 30 kg/m2) in men ranged from 4.0% to 28.3% and in women from 6.2% to 36.5%. We observed considerable geographic variation, with prevalence rates in Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe being higher than those in Western and Northern Europe.

Conclusion: In Europe, obesity has reached epidemic proportions. The data presented in our review emphasise the need for effective therapeutic and preventive strategies.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Regional variation in prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) in men in Europe. Data in % from Table 1. If more than one study contribute data of different strata, the latest survey was chosen for the map.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Regional variation in prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) in women in Europe. Data in % from Table 1. If more than one study contribute data of different strata, the latest survey was chosen for the map.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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