Cyprus reports high rates of childhood and adult obesity

During a meeting of the House health committee on Thursday, representatives from the newly formed Cyprus Scientific Society for the Study of Obesity (KEMEPA) reported that Cyprus faces some of the highest obesity rates in Europe. Data from a World Health Organization surveillance program, covering 38 countries, indicates that obesity reaches up to 42 percent among children aged six to 10 and approximately 30 percent among adults in Cyprus. Experts, including MP Savia Orphanidou and Dr. Eliza Markidou, highlighted that obesity is linked to serious health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and cancer. It was noted that up to 80 percent of obese children are likely to remain obese as adults, while genetic factors may contribute to 75 percent of cases. To address this, the committee intends to send a formal letter to the health ministry requesting a long-term national strategy. Proposed measures include the establishment of a specialized obesity center and increased professional training. The discussion emphasized the necessity of better dietary habits and increased physical activity to combat these rising trends.