60% of adults and almost 30% of children in Europe, including Albania, over overweight or obese. The World Health Organizations raises the alarm that obesity is already a silent epidemic and figures are expected to increase.

Based on current tendencies, the global obesity atlas of 2023 projects that by 2035, 37% of the Albanian population will be obese.

The phenomenon currently affects 25% of the male population and 24% of the female population above 20 years old. For younger generations aged 5-19 years old, 14% of the boys and 8% of the girls are affected.

Health experts assess that obesity is the fourth most common factor related to non-chronical diseases, after high blood pressure, diet risks and smoking. It is also the leading risk factor for disability, accounting for 7% of total years lived with disability. Obesity is also associated with greater morbidity and mortality from Covid-19.

Based on the danger that obesity poses to our health, WHO recommends taking measures to curb the phenomenon. Experts suggest that these measures start since pregnancy and early childhood. Prevention should focus on good nutrition at all stages of a child’s life and the promotion of physical activity.