Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus has some of the highest rates of childhood obesity in Europe, reaching up to 42% in certain age groups, MPs heard on Thursday at a House health committee meeting.
House committee discussion
The issue, which also affects a significant portion of the general population, was discussed in the presence of representatives from the newly established committee on tackling obesity.
Health risks and projections
Deputy chair of the House health committee and Disy MP Savia Orphanidou said obesity leads to serious health complications, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and cancer. She added that the condition can be hereditary in up to 75% of cases.
Citing data presented at the meeting, Orphanidou said global obesity rates could triple in the coming years, potentially affecting two billion people worldwide.
Calls for policy measures
Orphanidou called for obesity to be formally recognised as a disease and for a long-term national strategy to be developed. She also proposed the creation of a specialised obesity centre and securing the necessary resources to support related initiatives.
The committee is expected to send a letter to the health ministry on the issue.
Expert views on the scale of the problem and treatment
Dr Eliza Markidou, a member of the obesity study committee, said obesity affects around 30% of adults in Cyprus and up to 42% of children aged six to 10. She said a large percentage of both adults and children are obese and require medical intervention, citing links to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and mental health issues.
Dr Marios Paedonomou said medication has a role in treatment but is not expected to solve the problem on its own. He said the organisation focuses on prevention, pharmacotherapy, lifestyle regulation and, where necessary, surgical intervention.
What measures do you think should be prioritised to address childhood obesity in Cyprus?
