Overweight and obesity have become public health challenges around the world, and Europe is no exception. These terms, which we sometimes use interchangeably, describe an excessive accumulation of fat that can affect our quality of life and increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart problems or even certain types of cancer. But how do we know if we are in that risk zone, and what does science say about this on our continent? In this article we tell you what overweight and obesity are, how to calculate your BMI and what European statistics reveal.

What are overweight and obesity?
   The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines overweight as an excess weight that exceeds what is healthy for our height, while obesity is a more extreme accumulation of fat that can be harmful. It's not just about aesthetics: excess fat, especially around the abdomen, is linked to chronic inflammation and metabolic imbalances that affect our long-term well-being.

How to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI)?
  A simple way to find out if you are in a healthy, overweight or obese range is to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI). This number measures the ratio of your weight to your height and is a standard tool used by health professionals. Here's how to do it:

1. Formula: BMI = weight (in kilograms) ÷ height (in metres squared).
Example: If you weigh 70 kg and are 1.65 m tall, the calculation would be:
IMC = 70 ÷ (1.65 × 1.65) = 70 ÷ 2.7225 ≈ 25.7.
2. Interpretation according to WHO:
Less than 18.5: Underweight.
18.5 - 24.9: Healthy weight.
25 - 29.9: Overweight.
30 or more: Obese.
In the example, a BMI of 25.7 indicates overweight. It is important to note that BMI does not distinguish between fat and muscle, so very muscular athletes could have a high BMI without being at risk. For a more complete assessment, some experts supplement BMI with waist circumference measurement, as abdominal fat is a key risk factor.

Overweight and obesity statistics in Europe
    Europe is facing a growing epidemic of overweight and obesity, and the numbers are revealing:

- According to the WHO, by 2022, 43% of European adults aged 18 and over were overweight, and 16% were obese. This means that almost 6 out of 10 people on the continent are above a healthy weight.
- Data from the European Health Survey Spain 2020 show that 16.5% of men and 15.5% of women are obese, while 44.9% of men and 30.6% of women are overweight. Men tend to outnumber women in these categories, especially between the ages of 35 and 74.
- Regionally, prevalence varies: in southern and eastern European countries, such as Malta or Hungary, obesity rates exceed 20%, while in nations such as France or Italy they are around 10-12%. However, overweight is common throughout the region, with an average of 50-60% of the adult population affected.
- Children are not spared either: in 2022, more than 390 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight worldwide, and Europe contributes a significant share, with countries such as Greece and Spain leading the continent in childhood obesity rates.
   Since 1990, adult obesity has doubled in Europe, and among adolescents it has quadrupled, showing that this problem is growing over time and affects all ages.

Why is this happening?
   Factors such as diets rich in ultra-processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, stress and lack of sleep play a key role. In Europe, access to fast food and fast-paced lifestyles have changed our habits, while urbanisation has reduced daily physical activity. Although genetics plays a role, the modern environment seems to be the big driver of this trend.

What can we do?
   Calculating your BMI is a first step towards awareness, but it is not the end of the road. Small changes such as eating more fruit and vegetables, reducing added sugars, walking 30 minutes a day and prioritising rest can make a difference. If your BMI is overweight or obese, talking to a health professional will help you find a personalised plan.

Conclusion
   Overweight and obesity are not just numbers on a scale; they are signs that our lifestyle and environment need attention. In Europe, the statistics show us a collective challenge, but also an opportunity to act. Calculating your BMI is easy and gives you an initial clue as to where you are - do you know what yours is? Knowing it could be the push you need to take better care of yourself.

Cheers,

Tribu Naturals