The Urgency for Action Against Obesity and Related Diseases in Europe

In recent years, Europe has faced an alarming rise in obesity, leading to significant increases in digestive disorders and various types of cancers. This trend is especially concerning for individuals under the age of 50, a demographic that is struggling with the dual issues of stigma and limited awareness that delay timely diagnoses. In response to this pressing health crisis, the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) convened a vital meeting titled "Connecting the Dots: Obesity, Digestive Diseases, and Cancers" in the European Parliament on June 5.

This significant event brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and public health leaders to rally for urgent, coordinated actions to combat this escalating issue. MEP Romana Jerković, Chairwoman of the MEP Digestive Health Group, opened the session with a stark reminder of the reality at hand: "Almost 60% of Europeans and one in three children are overweight or obese. Investing in prevention is not only health policy but also a smart economic policy." She called for binding, citizen-centered measures and greater political commitment at the European level.

Alessandra Moretti, another EU lawmaker, highlighted a concerning statistic: 90% of deaths in the EU are attributed to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), yet only 2.8% of health budgets are allocated to combat these issues. She emphasized the urgent need for better screening and an increase in research funding dedicated to these health concerns.

Dr. Kremlin Wickramasinghe from WHO Europe sounded the alarm regarding the impact of obesity, stating it is now the leading cause of disability in the European region, contributing to 20,000 new cancer cases annually. He insisted on the necessity for enforceable, system-wide strategies, as mere voluntary guidelines were proving inadequate.

Scientific presentations at the event provided robust evidence linking obesity to digestive tract cancers. Leading researchers, Professors Patrick Michl and Thomas Seufferlein, shared insights on how obesity promotes cancer via chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders. Dr. Jorge Amil Dias discussed the lifelong burden of obesity on children, while Professor Volkan Demirhan Yumuk called for a multidisciplinary approach to care, putting the patient at the center.

Guided by Professor Patrizia Burra, Chair of the UEG Public Affairs Group, the discussions transitioned toward practical implementations of scientific findings into policy. MEP Tomislav Sokol from the European People's Party underscored that obesity is a societal issue rather than a personal failing, advocating for a comprehensive, EU-wide approach akin to the successful tabacco control strategies.

Participants urged for stricter regulations on food marketing, Europe-wide taxes on unhealthy consumption, broader access to therapies such as semaglutide, early screening for liver diseases, and structured weight management following cancer treatments. Crucially, there was a call to recognize obesity as a chronic, multifactorial disease requiring multidisciplinary treatment approaches.

In an open question-and-answer session, attendees pressed policymakers to integrate scientific knowledge with lived experiences, particularly those who battle lifelong conditions. MEP Jerković eloquently concluded the event with an urgent call to action: "Statistics are never just numbers; they represent lives. Today, we have begun connecting the dots - now we must act." As Europe faces this multi-faceted health crisis, the immediate focus must be on effective policy implementation that addresses obesity's root causes and its extensive health impacts. With collaborative effort, we can hope to mitigate the consequences of this widespread public health crisis.