WRITTEN QUESTION E-1922/02 by Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Obesity in Europe.
Date: 2002-07-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU statistics, disease prevention, health policy, health statistics, nutritional disease

C 301 E/246

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

5.12.2002

(2002/C 301 E/260)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1922/02

by Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(3 July 2002)

Subject: Obesity in Europe

A recent article in the UK focused on the obesity problems sweeping through Europe’s population and
reported that Germany’s obese population will reportedly grow from 57 % in 2001 to 71 % in 2002 and
that weight problems will affect 69 % of adults in Spain and the Netherlands, 60 % of Swedes and 59 % of
Italians. The article also reported that France’s obese population will rise from 37 % to 50 % by 2006 while
the UK’s overweight population will increase from 48 % to 52 % in 2006.

Does the Commission have any statistical evidence on Member States’ obesity levels amongst a) children
under 16, and b) adults, that could confirm or deny the above reported figures?

Has the Commission initiated, or will the Commission initiate, any programmes aimed at combating this
substantial and growing problem?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2002)

The Commission has data on body weight and body height of the population of 15 years and over of the
Member States. These data are obtained through the National Health Surveys in the Member States and
through the European Community Household Panel (ECHP). Some data have also been obtained through
Eurobarometer (EB), which is the Commission’s opinion survey. Data on height and weight are then used
to obtain the Body Mass Index (BMI) or Quetelet’s index, which gives an indication of obesity.

The existing surveys have a threshold of age normally established at 15 years (in the EB) and 16 years (in
the ECHP). No data for people under 15 years is available.

Results (which are sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament’s Secretariat General) show
that obesity (here defined as BMI > 27) is relatively common in EU (25,6 % of men and 21,3 % of women).
However, further information is needed to confirm or deny the indications suggested by the reports
mentioned by the Honourable Member, since the prevalence of obesity is depending on what classification
of obesity is used in different studies. The forthcoming public health programme, due to come into force
soon includes activities relating to improve collection of health data as well as action on health
determinants. Prevention of obesity will figure amongst the activities to be undertaken. The future Danish
Presidency of the Council has signalled its intention to arrange a broadly based conference on obesity this
autumn (cid:1) to address this serious public health problem.

(2002/C 301 E/261)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1923/02

by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission

Subject: Urban vehicles powered by compressed air

(3 July 2002)

What representations has the Commission received about urban vehicles powered by compressed air, in
relation to their potential for zero pollution in towns?

Will the Commission agree to an official evaluation of the project to construct an air car/taxi at Carros,
France, in conjunction with the science and technology experts of the European Parliament?