The obesity crisis is worsening in Europe, with over half of the continent’s population being classified as overweight, according to scientific data. Body Mass Index (BMI) equal to or greater than 25 is considered overweight, while a BMI of greater than 30 is classified as obesity. The situation has doubled in the last two decades, with approximately one in five Europeans now considered obese – a worrying trend that health authorities are sounding the alarm over. Children are particularly vulnerable, with sedentary lifestyles, physical inactivity, and a lack of exercise during the recent health crisis leading to an increase in obesity. Health experts are calling for proactive measures to establish good eating habits, particularly among children. There are concerns over the high consumption of sugary drinks, snacks, and sweets by children outside of meal times. Several professionals are also pushing for a tax on the most processed, sugary, salty, and carbonated products, in the hope of encouraging the agri-food industry to become more accountable.
