Cyprus among worst in Europe for childhood obesity

Cyprus records some of the highest rates of childhood obesity in Europe, reaching up to 42 per cent in certain age groups, MPs heard on Thursday during a House health committee meeting.

The issue, which also affects a significant portion of the general population, was discussed in the presence of representatives from the newly established committee on tackling obesity.

Deputy chair of the House health committee and Disy MP Savia Orphanidou said obesity leads to serious health complications, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and cancer. She added that the condition can be hereditary in up to 75 per cent of cases.

Citing data presented at the meeting, Orphanidou warned that global obesity rates could triple in the coming years, potentially affecting two billion people worldwide.

She stressed the need for coordinated action, calling for obesity to be formally recognised as a disease, alongside the development of a long-term national strategy. She also proposed the creation of a specialised obesity centre and securing the necessary resources to support related initiatives.

The committee is expected to send a letter to the health ministry on the issue.

Dr Eliza Markidou, a member of the obesity study committee, said the problem is particularly acute in Cyprus, with obesity affecting around 30 per cent of adults and up to 42 per cent of children aged six to 10.

“A large percentage of both adults and children are obese, and this requires medical intervention,” she said, noting links to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and mental health issues.

Dr Marios Paedonomou said that while medication has a role in treatment, it is not expected to solve the problem on its own.

“Our organisation focuses on prevention, pharmacotherapy, lifestyle regulation and, where necessary, surgical intervention,” he said.

Dr Harris Constantinou explained that drugs used to treat obesity were initially developed for type 2 diabetes but were later found to regulate appetite in the brain, producing significant results in obese patients.

“These medications need to be taken for life, as obesity is a chronic disease,” he said, adding that patients should have access to them through Gesy.

“If obesity is addressed, patients are less likely to develop hypertension, diabetes or suffer heart attacks, reducing the overall burden on the healthcare system,” he added.

He also clarified that obesity is not defined solely by body weight, but by body fat percentage, noting that individuals of normal weight may still suffer from obesity-related conditions.

Diko MP Chrysanthos Savvides said Cyprus ranks first in Europe in obesity among children aged six to 10, attributing part of the problem to a lack of sports infrastructure.

“In some cases, even sports schools lack proper facilities,” he said, citing Paphos as an example.

Edek MP Marinos Sizopoulos described obesity as a “very dangerous phenomenon” in Cyprus, with rates among the highest in Europe, particularly among children and adolescents. “If not addressed properly and in time, the health consequences will be severe, placing an additional burden on taxpayers,” he said.