The latest data on overweight and obesity in Europe is now available

The third European Health Interview Survey (EHIS), which involves the collection of high quality health data across Europe, has been analysed. Based on body mass index (BMI), the results are alarming.

Just over half of adult Europeans are overweight (53%), 36% are pre-obese and 17% are obese, while barely 3% are underweight. Only 45% of adult Europeans have a normal BMI. The percentage of overweight people varies by age group, education level and country.

Obesity remains a serious and growing public health problem because it significantly increases the risk of chronic and non-communicable diseases such as type II diabetes, coronary heart disease, certain cancers and cardiovascular disease.