European Dietitians Committed to Reducing Obesity

20 May 2016 --- EFAD – the voice of 35,000 European dietitians – is calling for action in reducing obesity in time for European Obesity Day (EOD) 2016. EOD 2016 will be held tomorrow (Saturday 21 May). It brings together healthcare, patient and political communities who are keen to raise awareness of obesity and the many other diseases on which it impacts. The theme for EOD 2016 is Action for a Healthier Future.

EOD 2016 highlights the fact that obesity is rising to alarming levels in Europe. In most countries more than 50% of the adult population is overweight and 15% are obese. In children the prevalence has raised greatly: one in four and in Southern European countries one in three children is overweight or obese. Estimates are that these figures will rise dramatically in European countries in the coming years.

Individuals that are overweight or obese are likely to develop a multitude of related illnesses that will reduce the quality of life and may even shorten the life span.

This is well known among scientists and health professionals. However, what is needed now is the awareness of politicians in Europe, the media and the general public that overweight and obesity are serious health problems.

Individuals that suffer from obesity need competent support from trained health professionals. Society needs prevention strategies at local, national and European level to tackle the obesogenic environment. 

The European Federation of Associations of Dietitians (EFAD) is the only organization advocating for dietitians in Europe. It is working together with other stakeholders, with Member States, the European Commission and food industry on a process to reformulate foods and drinks in Europe in order to offer more and healthier choices to the consumers. The food industry is further called upon to cooperate in developing a labelling system that can be understood by the general population, to make the healthy choice the easy choice.

“In order to tackle the obesity epidemic we need smart food policies with joint efforts between governments, health professionals and the food industry in order to create a healthier, less obesogenic environment,” Maria Hassapidou, European Specialist Dietetic Network on Obesity, told NutritionInsight. 

“Such a complex and multidimensional problem needs a careful and multidisciplinary approach. The food industry has to be committed and to closely work with dietitians and other health professionals in order to provide consumers with healthier food options (through food reformulation) and with better and reliable nutrition information.”

“The food industry can also play an important role in the restriction of marketing of unhealthy foods to children,” she concluded.

Dietitians are key to fostering positive dialogue in the implementation of public health policies to combat obesity. The European Dietetic Action Plan (EuDAP), is a commitment by the EFAD to collectively take actions that will improve health for all.

As Anne de Looy, President of EFAD, points out: “In Europe EFAD and its members have clearly stated their commitment to action for health improvement through nutrition across the social gradient. Whether it is in healthcare, food provision/service (restaurants), research, industry, public health or in the homes of individual citizens, dietitians will work with their national food and nutrition plans and colleagues to implement the European Dietetic Action Plan 2015-2020, which focuses on driving health improvements through food and nutrition, with the aim of achieving better nutrition and sustainable health.”

The geographical range and specialist expertise of EFAD members gives its dietitians’ a unique insight and perspective for improved health solutions. They remain a key contributor to the health debate, and driving positive and sustainable outcomes for the future of European citizens and beyond.

EFAD strongly supports the initiative of the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) for EOD 2016, and calls upon the European Parliament to take obesity seriously.

EFAD alerts MEPs, the European Commission, WHO European Region and others about how dietitians, as key nutrition professionals in Europe, are contributing to a healthier Europe.

The aims of EFAD are to:
•    Promote the development of the dietetic profession
•    Develop dietetics on a scientific and professional level in the common interest of the member associations
•    Facilitate communication between national dietetic associations and other organizations – professional, educational, and governmental
•    Encourage a better nutrition situation for the population of the member countries of Europe.

Membership of the Federation is open all National Associations of Dietitians from member states of Europe. EFAD currently has 34 member associations, representing over 35,000 dietitians – more than half the profession – in 27 European countries.

by Kerina Tull