Progress made since 2010 in public health to reduce risk factors such as air pollution, smoking, alcohol consumption and sedentary lifestyles has been undermined by a sharp rise in obesity in many OECD countries, according to a report published Wednesday.
"One of the major challenges for population health"
"Despite decades of effort", non-communicable diseases (cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes…), "leading causes of death worldwide", "continue to increase" and represent "One of the major challenges for population health"This report notes the health and economic benefits of combating these diseases.
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Thus, from 1990 to 2023, the prevalence of cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increased by 36% and 49% respectively in the OECD, that of cardiovascular diseases by 27% and 21%, while that of diabetes climbed by 86% in the OECD and 64% in the EU.
In 2023, one in ten people in OECD countries had diabetes, and one in eight lived with cardiovascular disease (1 in 12 and 1 in 7 in the EU), according to the report, which is based on modeling.
This is mainly due to improved survival rates, "unequivocal success in public health" Who "means that more people are living longer with chronic diseases"but also to aging, as more people are reaching an age where these conditions are more common.
"Healthier choices"
But this progression is also linked to "a sharp increase in obesity" because this chronic condition increases the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Obesity thus has "completely negated the positive impact of reductions in air pollution, smoking, alcohol consumption and sedentary behavior since 2010", In "a large number" of the 51 countries studied by the report.
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Among them, 43% saw a decrease in the incidence of non-communicable diseases, mainly due to a reduction in air pollution and smoking, but 57% saw an increase, primarily due to rising obesity rates. While treating these diseases is complex, "Clear priorities can be identified." obesity "offers the greatest opportunity to reduce this burden"along with smoking and diet, says the OECD.
Thus, better information (nutritional labeling, etc.) and education on... "healthier choices"creating living spaces "health-promoting", improve "the availability of healthy meals"Regulating food advertising targeting children changes behaviors and social norms, the report emphasizes, also encouraging investment in prevention, screening and long-term patient follow-up.
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