An increasing number of children across Europe, including in Cyprus, are classified as overweight or obese, Health Minister Michalis Damianos said this week.
Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Damianos announced the government’s approval of a National Strategy for Improving Quality of Life through Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity, in line with World Health Organization guidelines.
He said data on childhood obesity show that Cyprus ranks higher than many other European countries.
“Modern lifestyles, changes in family structure, and the adoption of new eating habits are among the most serious public health challenges,” Damianos said. “The data indicate that more and more children in Europe, including Cyprus, are becoming overweight or obese.”
He added that several major risk factors for premature death — including high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease — are linked to diet and physical inactivity.
The new strategy includes a review of global and European action plans, as well as the collection of demographic and health indicators to assess the current situation in Cyprus.
It also calls for raising public awareness about healthy eating and exercise, and the creation of a National Committee to advise the health minister and help develop an action plan to promote healthier lifestyles.
Asked whether data on obesity is available, Damianos confirmed that statistics — particularly on childhood obesity — show Cyprus is above the European average. “It’s clearly something we need to address,” he said.