Obesity in Europe : scaling an epidemic

摘要: Obesity, defined as a body mass index > 30 kg/m2 is relatively common in Europe especially among women and Southern Eastern European countries. Among men the distribution of values surprisingly similar most countries despite large variability women. Available data from (Germany, Finland, Sweden, The Netherlands, England) suggest that prevalence obesity has been stable or (most often) increasing during ninety-eighties. Publications affluent outside trends. These trends public health policies recommending avoidance overweight practice dieting fail to prevent an increase obesity, let alone reduce prevalence. It unclear which factors are responsible for weight gains Europe. Continuing high fat intakes combination with low physical activity widespread cessation smoking may contribute although some studies increased prevalences also found smokers non-smokers. Obesity well gain both important independent contributors cardiovascular disease diabetes mellitus. More research needed elucidate reasons variation risks associated different