On World Obesity Day, which is celebrated today, the DGS has put forward the “Action Road map to Accelerate the Prevention and Control of Obesity in Portugal”, which foresees 10 measures in various areas for the next three years.

According to data now released, obesity affects 28.7% of Portuguese adults, with more than two-thirds of the population being overweight (67.6%).

Data from 2022 indicates that childhood obesity is also reaching high proportions in Portugal, with the prevalence of overweight reaching 31.9%, with 13.5% of children aged 6 to 8 living with obesity.

This high prevalence and modifiable risk factors, such as inadequate diet and physical inactivity, have contributed to the “slowdown or even reversal of health advances” recorded in recent decades, highlighted the DGS, warning that this impact has been visible in maternal and child health indicators and average life expectancy.

According to the road map, despite the prevention measures already implemented in Portugal, estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that this year, no European country is in a position to achieve the target regarding the non-growth of obesity.

“This scenario shows the need to intensify efforts in this area of ​​obesity prevention and control”, explained the DGS, adding that it was in this context that Portugal joined the Acceleration Plan to STOP Obesity, a WHO initiative that brings together a group of countries at a global level.

In practice, the road map foresees actions to improve health in the first 1,000 days of life, through the promotion of breastfeeding and the development and digitalisation of maternal and child counseling models for healthy eating.

In daycare centers, schools and universities, the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity will be strengthened, said the DGS, which also intends to establish criteria for public food purchases and guidelines for the food supply in various establishments, such as daycare centers.

In addition to reinforcing obesity prevention in primary health care, with advice on physical activity and healthy eating, the plan also establishes support mechanisms for the implementation of the Integrated Care Path for People with Obesity, through the creation of Integrated Responsibility Centers for the Non-Surgical Treatment of Obesity.

Strengthening the capacity of municipalities to promote healthy eating and physical activity is also planned, with the reinforcement of technical support and financing mechanisms, which could be ensured through programme contracts with the Ministry of Health.

According to the document, obesity has a significant impact on the burden of disease in the Portuguese population, being the second risk factor that most contributes to the loss of healthy years of life.

According to DGS data, it also has a significant economic impact, with its costs representing 10% of total health expenditure, 207 euros per capita per year and 3% of the national gross domestic product (GDP).

Each euro invested in preventing obesity generates a return of up to six euros, according to the road map, which, with the new measures, aims to contribute to achieving the goals set for 2030, within the scope of the National Health Plan and through the priority health programmes for healthy eating and physical activity.