More and more people from the Republic of Moldova are facing obesity, a condition influenced by genetic, biological, psychosocial, and behavioral factors. In the context of World Obesity Day, marked annually on March 4, the National Agency for Public Health encourages the population to adopt healthy habits and to maintain an optimal weight throughout their lives, reports IPN.

According to the COSI study from 2023, one in five 7-year-old children is overweight, and nearly 9% of them suffer from obesity. Also, the STEPS study from 2021 reveals that about 64% of adults are overweight, and more than 20% are obese.

According to ANSP, unhealthy eating is a major challenge. Only 3.5% of children consume five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and 20.4% eat sweets every day. Among adults, 63.4% consume less than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and 5.3% drink sweetened beverages daily.

Specialists warn that obesity increases the risk of serious conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and at least 13 types of cancer.

To maintain a normal weight, people are encouraged to limit their consumption of fats and sugars, to consciously choose their food, to consume vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes daily, to engage in regular physical activity, to plan their meals and shopping, and to frequently monitor their weight.