March 4, 2025 | Skopje, North Macedonia
As we mark World Obesity Day 2025, SEEHN is raising awareness of the growing obesity crisis and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to tackle it.
Under the global theme, Changing Systems Healthier Lives, the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) highlights that obesity isn’t just about personal choices—it’s a complex public health issue that requires action at multiple levels, from policy and education to healthcare and food systems. By 2025, obesity rates are expected to reach 18% in men and exceed 21% in women worldwide. Unfortunately, most countries have less than a 10% chance of meeting the World Health Assembly’s target to stop obesity from rising. As such, obesity is likely to become a leading cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and certain cancers.
For individuals, carrying excess weight means an increased risk of disability, more frequent hospital visits, and complex healthcare needs. On a national scale, obesity-related illnesses are driving up healthcare costs, with some Eastern European countries spending up sgnificant shares of their total healthcare budget on obesity-related conditions. If we don’t act now, obesity will continue to put immense strain on healthcare systems and shorten lives.
Considering the rising trends across South-eastern Europe, the Network is urging its Members, health professionals, and communities to act now by launching various strategic initiatives focused on prevention, education, and better healthcare services.
Policy interventions may include:
● Promoting healthier food environments and encouraging active lifestyles.
● Running campaigns to inspire healthier eating habits, increase physical activity, and cut down on sedentary behavior.
● Encouraging responsible food labeling, reducing junk food marketing to children, and increasing access to affordable, nutritious food.
● Ensuring health professionals have the resources to offer better obesity prevention, treatment, and management.
● Investing in research to track obesity trends and shape effective, evidence-based policies.
On World Obesity Day 2025, SEEHN calls on authorities, civil society, and individuals to take collective action against this rising burden. We stand committed to making lasting change and building a healthier future for South-eastern Europe.
