Every year, on March 4, World Obesity Day is observed as an opportunity to raise awareness among consumers about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. This day is becoming increasingly relevant as obesity and overweight rates continue to rise alarmingly both globally and in Europe.
On the occasion of World Obesity Day, InfoCons provides the European InfoCons App, a tool that allows each user to personalize their experience based on their consumption preferences—ranging from sugar and salt intake to the number of food additives. This way, each person can make informed decisions about the products they consume, contributing to a healthier lifestyle.
Global Statistics – InfoCons Consumer Protection Keeps You Informed !
- Prevalence: In 2016, 13% of the world’s adult population (11% of men and 15% of women) were living with obesity.
- Projections: By 2030, it is estimated that 1 billion people globally, including 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men, will be affected by obesity.
- Children and adolescents: Between 1990 and 2022, the percentage of children and adolescents (ages 5–19) living with obesity increased fourfold, from 2% to 8% globally.
European Obesity Statistics – InfoCons Consumers Protection Informs You !
- Children aged 7–9: In 2024, 12% of school-aged children (7–9 years old) in 33 European countries suffered from obesity, with prevalence higher among boys (14%) than girls (10%).
- Romania: The incidence of childhood obesity increased from 165.94 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020 to 196.14 in 2021, then slightly decreased to 173.02 in 2022.
- Adults: In 2022, 22.6% of adults in the WHO European Region were living with obesity, an increase from 18.8% in 2006.
- Romania’s adult obesity rate was 34.0% in 2022, one of the highest in the WHO European Region.
- Regional variations: The highest obesity rates in Europe were recorded in Mediterranean and Eastern European countries, with Georgia having the highest rate at 34.7%.
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Health Implications of Obesity – Learn More with InfoCons Consumer Protection !
- Non-communicable diseases (NCDs): Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and certain types of cancer.
- Childhood risks: Children with obesity have an increased risk of respiratory issues, fractures, high blood pressure, and psychological effects such as depression and anxiety.
Economic Impact – InfoCons Consumers Protection Keeps You Informed !
The global economic costs of overweight and obesity are estimated to reach 3 trillion dollars annually by 2030.
These statistics highlight the growing global challenge of obesity and underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to address this major public health issue.
World Obesity Day 2025 Theme : Changing Systems for Healthier Lives – InfoCons Consumers Protection Informs You !
Obesity has long been viewed as an individual problem, but it is the result of systemic failures—from public health policies and government regulations to food production and the environments we live in. For real change to occur, these systems must be held accountable, and those affected by obesity must be at the forefront of this effort.
Through appropriate measures and collaboration between governments, specialists, and society, these systems can be transformed, creating a healthier future for all.
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How the European InfoCons App Helps Consumers
With the European InfoCons App, consumers can make informed decisions about their diet by simply scanning a product’s barcode. This provides instant access to:
- Food label information in the selected language
- List of ingredients in the scanned product
- Number and type of food additives (E-numbers) with detailed explanations
- List of allergens present in the product
- Nutritional values, including salt, sugar, and calorie content
The app also includes:
- A calculator to input the amount of product consumed and determine the intake of salt, sugar, and calories, along with the physical activities required to burn the calories (walking, running, cycling)
- A rating system allowing users to rate products from 1 to 5
- A “Saved Products” section, where users can create shopping lists, daily/weekly menus, and recipes
- The ability to track total additives (E-numbers), sugar, and salt intake from selected products
- An option to share lists of selected products, menus, or recipes with family and friends
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The European InfoCons App enables consumers to take control of their diet by providing clear and accessible information, helping them make choices that support a healthier lifestyle.
InfoCons – European Organization for Consumer Protection and Promotion of Programs and Strategies , a full member of the World Organization Consumers International , founding member of the Federation of Consumer Associations , and member of ANEC .