Zoë Dahse
AS persistently reported in the press, obesity has become one of the most urgent health problems in today’s world.
A report published by Diario Sanitario advised on the current situation, and how to deal with it. In Spain more than 50% of the adult population and around 40% of children between the ages of seven and nine are overweight. These figures are higher than the European average and have caused concern amongst professionals, institutions and families.
Obesity carries with it the risk of increased heart disease risk, type 2 diabetes and further chronic diseases which burden the quality of life, as well putting pressure on the health system.
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Urban environments, prolonged work shifts and sedentary ways of life all do little to help foster physical activity to help balance weight gain.
Ultra-processed foods at a low cost and a lack of safe spaces for children to be active also contribute to child obesity. Additionally, increased screen time limits physical activity.
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Interesting how the image with which we associate Spain – longevity, Mediterranean diet, pace of life, and so on must now be ammended to make us aware of the dangers as mentioned in the article. Implications are that other countries have taken measures to deal with the problem of obesity. Actually, despite the apparent evidence, what I see when having to go to the UK puts this issue at the bottom of any list of issues here in Spain. However, more green spaces for kids to run about in is never a bad idea.
Mark I think you miss a point here. Our rates in the UK are higher than this and the Spanish article does not blame a Mediterranean diet. It clearly hits at UPF.. in the uk 64% of adults are oberweight 36% in children
The diet in Spain is to blame. Way too much fried food and way too much meat. The Spanish really need to get their act together on vegetarian and vegan, then they will be in a much better place. They are one of the lowest consumers of processed foods in the western world, so that’s not the problem
Hi Jane
Good point although in certain areas, particularly the big cities and on the coast, such as around Marbella or Javea they are very organized at getting vegetarian dishes onto menus… There is more to be done though that’s for sure