Plaid MEP Jill Evans is hoping that the first ever European Obesity Day will raise awareness of a growing problem. Ms. Evans is the co-author of a written declaration (WD 0034/2010) in the European Parliament, with MEPs and organisations across Europe already signing it. In Wales, 57% of adults and 33% of children were estimated to be overweight or obese, with obesity being one of the top preventable deaths in Wales.
Jill Evans MEP said:
“Obesity is rising at a rate that could potentially make it an epidemic within a decade. With more and more children becoming obese, it is vitally important that more is done to tackle this problem. European Obesity Day is an opportunity to focus our minds on this problem and bring about solutions. In Wales we have our own problems with obesity, and it is also often linked to poverty."
With an estimated 2.3 billion European adults overweight and more than 700 million obese by 2015, obesity is now a leading cause of preventable death and disease in Europe. The first European Obesity Day will take place on the 22nd of May, with Ms. Evan's written declaration calling for that day to be made European Obesity Day from here on in. It is a dedicated day that each year will bring together medical and political communities. The day was initially started by Prof. David Haslam, Chairman and Clinical Director, UK, National Obesity Forum.
Jill Evans MEP continued:
"It is estimated that a million people a year are dying from obesity related health issues across the world. Thousands of people in Wales are seeing their health worsen due to obesity. I hope that European Obesity Day can help tackle this serious problem."
Ends.
