Obesity Epidemic In Europe

Obesity Epidemic in Europe: Causes, Stats & Solutions in 2025

The obesity epidemic in Europe is driven by unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, screen time, and food marketing. Social factors and the COVID-19 pandemic also play key roles.

Obesity has become a serious problem in Europe. Right now, around 6 out of every 10 adults are either overweight or obese. Even more worrying, nearly one in three children is affected. This means that many people are carrying more body fat than is healthy for them. Obesity is not just about how someone looks; it's also about their overall health. It can lead to serious health problems, like heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. It also makes it harder for people to lead long and healthy lives.

Health experts are deeply concerned because no country in Europe is on track to halt the rise of obesity. The World Health Organisation had a goal to stop this by 2025, but most places are far from reaching it. If nothing changes, an increasing number of people will become ill, resulting in substantial healthcare costs for countries. It will also hurt families, schools, and workplaces.

In this blog, we’ll examine the prevalence of obesity in various parts of Europe, its causes, and the measures being taken to address it. We’ll also discuss what has been successful in some countries and what still needs improvement. Ultimately, we’ll provide some ideas on how everyone —governments, schools, families, and individuals—can contribute to improving the situation. Obesity is a significant challenge, but with the proper steps, we can make a positive change.

Current State, Prevalence & Trends

Obesity is a growing problem in many parts of Europe. In 2022, more than half of all adults in the European Union were either overweight or obese. In some countries, like Malta, nearly 62% of adults were overweight. In others, such as Italy, it was around 41%. These numbers show that many people are carrying more weight than is healthy for them.

Men are more likely to be overweight than women in most European countries. For example, in places like Romania, Poland, and Croatia, about three out of four men are overweight. Women are less likely to be overweight, but in countries like Ireland, over 60% of women are affected.

Age also matters. Young people are less likely to be overweight. Only about 1 in 5 people aged 16 to 24 are overweight. But for older people, especially those between 65 and 74 years old, about 2 in 3 are overweight. People with higher levels of education also tend to have lower rates of obesity.

Children are affected too. Around 1 in 3 children between the ages of 7 and 9 in Europe are now overweight or obese. Boys are slightly more likely to be affected than girls. The World Health Organisation (WHO  has warned that childhood obesity remains very high and could lead to serious health problems as these children grow.

Some countries are making progress. For example, Portugal and Greece have experienced slight declines in childhood obesity over the past few years. However, others, such as Lithuania, are still witnessing the problem worsening. A study published on PubMed examined these changes across various countries.

In total, more than 1 in 6 adults in Europe are now living with obesity. If things don’t change, experts believe that more than half of Europe’s adults could be obese by the year 2030. You can learn more about these predictions in this article by EUFIC.

These trends show that obesity is not just a personal issue; it’s something that affects whole communities and even countries. That’s why many experts say we need to act now to stop it from getting worse.

Country & Regional Case Studies

Obesity is a problem all over Europe, but some countries are facing bigger challenges than others. Let’s look at a few places to see what is happening and what they are doing to help.

Turkey

Turkey has one of the highest rates of obesity in Europe. Around two-thirds of adults in Turkey are overweight or obese. One reason is that people are eating more processed and fast food instead of traditional meals. This includes items such as sugary drinks and snacks. You can learn more about this from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Malta

Malta is a small island, but it has one of the highest levels of obesity in the EU. About 36% of adults are obese. Many children are affected too. In the past, people in Malta followed a traditional Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fish. However, many have now switched to eating more fast food. This change has exacerbated the problem.

France

France has been working diligently to reduce obesity, particularly among children. One helpful programme is called EPODE. It teaches children and their families about the importance of healthy eating and regular exercise. In some towns, this has reduced childhood obesity by 25%. France also added a sugar tax on fizzy drinks to stop people from buying too many.

Spain

In Spain, lots of children are overweight. To address this issue, the government introduced a new rule for school food in 2025. Now, schools must serve fruit and vegetables every day and fish at least once a week. Sugary drinks are no longer allowed. These changes are helping children eat better.

United Kingdom

The UK also has a big problem with obesity. The government introduced a sugar tax on soft drinks and banned junk food advertisements during children’s TV shows. A group called Chefs in Schools is helping to make school meals healthier. Still, many people, especially in poorer areas, struggle to eat healthy food. You can read more in this Financial Times article.

These examples demonstrate that, despite facing serious challenges, some countries are also exploring innovative solutions to address these issues.

European Countries With the Highest Obesity Rates (Latest Data)

Why Is Obesity Rising? Key Drivers

Obesity is becoming more common in Europe, and there are many reasons for it. It’s not just about overeating. It’s also about how our lives, habits, and surroundings have changed. Let’s examine the primary factors contributing to the rise in obesity.

1. Eating More Unhealthy Food

Today, many people consume more fast food and processed meals than they did in the past. These foods often contain excessive amounts of sugar, fat, and salt. Fizzy drinks, crisps, sweets, and ready meals are everywhere. They are usually inexpensive and easy to obtain, but not beneficial for our health. At the same time, people are eating fewer fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked meals. This change is known as the nutrition transition, where healthy traditional foods are replaced with less healthy modern ones.

2. Not Moving Enough

Many people don’t move as much as they used to. Children and adults spend a lot of time sitting, at school, at work, or watching screens. Less walking, less cycling, and less time playing outside means the body doesn’t burn as much energy. This can lead to weight gain and poor health.

3. Too Much Screen Time and Junk Food Ads

Children now spend more time on phones, tablets, and computers. This means they also see more adverts for junk food. These adverts are designed to make sweets, fast food, and fizzy drinks look fun and exciting. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that this type of marketing is a significant reason why many children want and consume unhealthy foods.

4. Money and Social Problems

Obesity is more prevalent in areas where people have limited financial resources or fewer opportunities to access healthy food. Healthy options, such as fresh fruit, fish, or whole grains, can be more expensive than fast food. Some people live far from good shops and have limited access to healthy options. These problems are referred to as social determinants of health, and they make it more challenging for some families to maintain their health.

5. The COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 lockdowns made obesity worse. People stayed at home more, didn’t get much exercise, and often ate more snacks and comfort food. Schools were closed, so children missed out on PE, sports, and outdoor play. A WHO report showed that many people gained weight during the pandemic.

These causes show that obesity isn’t just a personal problem; it’s something that affects whole communities and societies. To address this, we need to make healthy living easier for everyone, regardless of their location or financial situation.

Future Outlook

If we don’t make changes soon, obesity in Europe will keep getting worse. Experts say that by the year 2030, more than half of all adults in many countries could be obese. This means more people could get very sick with things like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. A study by Karger found that most European countries are expected to experience significant increases in obesity if no action is taken to prevent it.

But there is good news: change is possible. Some countries have already begun taking smart steps that are making a positive impact. For example, Portugal and France have established programs to teach families and children about healthy food and exercise. Spain has implemented rules that require schools to serve nutritious meals, including fruits, vegetables, and fish.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that Europe still has time to address the issue. But governments need to act fast. They should:

• Stop junk food ads aimed at children.
• Make healthy food easier to buy and more affordable.
• Build safe places for walking, cycling, and playing.

If we all work together, governments, schools, families, and children, we can help prevent obesity from worsening. A healthier future is possible if we start taking action now.

Obesity in Europe FAQ

What is causing the obesity epidemic in Europe?

Europe’s obesity rates are increasing due to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, food marketing, and reduced physical activity in schools and cities.

Which countries in Europe have the highest obesity rates?

Countries like Malta, Turkey, and the UK top the list for adult obesity. Childhood obesity is also high in southern and eastern Europe.

How is childhood obesity affecting European health systems?

High childhood obesity rates strain healthcare systems due to increased cases of diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues in young people.

Are European governments doing enough to stop obesity?

Some countries are implementing sugar taxes, banning junk food ads, and improving school food. But most are still behind WHO’s targets.

Can obesity be reversed with lifestyle changes?

Yes. Losing just 5–10% of body weight can reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risk. Combining nutrition, exercise, and medical support works best.

Is there a link between poverty and obesity in Europe?

Yes. People in low-income areas often have less access to healthy food, fewer exercise opportunities, and lower health literacy.

In conclusion, obesity is a serious problem in Europe that is affecting both children and adults. It is mainly caused by eating too much unhealthy food, not getting enough exercise, and issues like low income and lack of health education. But there is hope. With better food choices, increased physical activity, and support from schools, communities, and governments, we can improve the situation. If you or someone you know needs help with losing weight or living a healthier life, Weight Loss Coach can help. We offer friendly support, easy-to-follow plans, and guidance to help you achieve your goals and maintain your health.