Europe reclassifies obesity as a chronic disease, demanding policy action to address health and economic crises.
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Europe is shifting its perception of obesity from a lifestyle risk factor to a complex, chronic disease requiring long-term medical care and bold political action, as highlighted by an EPRS report. Obesity is recognized as a gateway to over 200 serious conditions and poses the biggest threat to healthcare system sustainability in aging Europe. In Greece, public health officials acknowledge social inequalities where lower-income households have higher obesity rates due to the unaffordability of healthy food. Despite official recognition, specialized dietitians are largely absent from public primary healthcare. Globally, obesity is a major financial burden; in Greece alone, it costs over $5.5 billion annually, with indirect losses being the largest component. The EU is moving towards an “Obesity First” approach, prioritizing treating the root cause of weight gain. Proposed European interventions include mandatory front-of-pack food labeling, stricter marketing rules for children, and economic incentives like taxing sugary drinks to subsidize fruits and vegetables. While Greece aims to reduce childhood obesity by 2030, the text argues that without addressing underlying economic issues making healthy eating a privilege, prevention remains unattainable.
