European countries show varied obesity strategies, highlighting a growing public health crisis and need for better care.
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Hungary implemented a new protocol banning overweight patients from waiting lists for knee or hip replacements, contrasting with other European approaches to combating obesity. Various effective programs exist across Europe, including school education and state-supported nutritionists. The issue is critical as global obesity rates are rising; 53% of the EU population struggles with weight problems, with Eastern and Central Europe being most affected. Obesity has worsened significantly since the 1970s, and projections suggest half the EU population could be overweight by 2030 without change. While Hungary has long had a small proportion of normal-weight individuals, healthcare is unprepared for the growing number of people with weight issues, potentially costing the global GDP up to 3% to manage. The European Commission launched a joint strategy in 2007 focusing on food labeling, age-specific care, and promoting physical activity, though its effectiveness is limited. Germany has recognized obesity as a chronic disease since 2020, implementing national prevention and treatment programs that cover various interventions. Austria takes a different stance, where the health insurance system does not fund weight loss or obesity prevention, but it offers support for young overweight individuals through community and family therapy programs. Spain faces high rates of childhood obesity, leading to strategies like creating inter-ministerial committees; some regions have reinstated nutritionist support in primary care despite past cuts, as patients find private care more affordable than managing related chronic illnesses.
