Healthy lifestyle promotion

4.2.2015

Question for written answer E-001860-15
to the Council
Rule 130
Biljana Borzan (S&D)

Obesity is an increasing danger to public health in Europe and a growing burden on Member States’ healthcare systems.

Of the six WHO regions, the European Region is the most severely affected by cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and respiratory diseases, which together account for 77% of the burden of disease and almost 86% of premature mortality.

More than 50% of adults in the European Region are overweight (body mass index (BMI) > 25) or obese (BMI > 30).

The situation is worsening steadily and, if allowed to spiral out of control, will cause severe medical, economic and social problems in the future. There is no fast solution for this problem, and one of the preconditions for reversing the negative trends is a change of lifestyle across the EU.

What kinds of action does the Council expect to take during the Latvian presidency to promote a healthier lifestyle, especially among children?