Prevention of overweight and obesity: a Spanish approach

Abstract

Background: Obesity is considered a major public health issue in most developed countries nowadays. This paper provides an overview of current population data available in Spain and the approach to develop preventive strategies in the country. Methods: Review of population data available is based on individually measured weight and height as well as determinants. On this basis, the approach used in the country to develop preventive strategies is discussed. Results: According to the DORICA study, the prevalence of obesity (BMI $ 30 kg m 22 ) is 15.5% in Spanish adults aged 25-60 years (13.2% in men and 17.5% in women). Obesity rates are higher among women aged 45 years and older, low social class, living in semi-urban places. Population estimates for the prevalence of obesity in Spanish children and young people based on the enKid study are 13.9% for the whole group. In this study, overweight and obesity is related to absence of breastfeeding, low consumption of fruit and vegetables, high consumption of cakes, buns, softdrinks and butchery products, low physical activity levels and a positive association with time spent watching TV.In 2005, the Spanish Ministry of Health jointly with the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition launched the multifaceted NAOS strategy for nutrition, physical activity and the prevention of obesity. The important role of the family and the school setting as well as the responsibility of the Health Administration and Pediatric Care in the prevention of obesity is highlighted in the document. The need for environmental actions is recognised. The PERSEO programme, a multicomponent school-based intervention project is part of the strategy currently in place. Conclusion: Obesity is a public health issue in Spain. A national multifaceted strategy was launched to counteract the problem. Environmental and policy actions are a priority. Young children and their families are among the main target groups.

Trends in excess of weight, underweight and adiposity among Spanish children from 2004 to 2010: the Cuenca Study

“…However, we have found no evidence of a halt of the epidemic in male schoolchildren in Cuenca, despite the implementation of some promising initiatives to tackle this health disorder in Spain (7) . Changes in the distribution of BMI over time were in line with the shift in the distribution of BF %.…”

Perfiles motivacionales de usuarios de servicios deportivos públicos y privados

“…En los últimos años se han puesto en práctica en estos paí-ses diferentes políticas de promoción de la AF desde diversos ámbitos (Aranceta et al, 2007;Lobstein & Millstone, 2007). Sin embargo, estas medidas no parecen lo suficientemente eficaces para contrarrestar los problemas para iniciarse y adherirse a la práctica físicodeportiva regular, reflejándose en unos altos índices de sedentarismo (García, 2010;OECD, 2010;Otero, 2009).…”

Influencia de la microbiota intestinal en la obesidad

“…La prevalencia de la obesidad y sobrepeso en España es del 26.3% en individuos de 2-24 años (Aranceta, 2007), y las cifras siguen aumentado. Un estudio realizado en Holanda mostró que solo el 34% de los padres de adolescentes obesos tenían conocimiento de las causas que pueden provocar la obesidad, un 61% acerca del sobrepeso y un 49% de lo que es una dieta saludable (Booij, 2008).…”

“…La obesidad en la adolescencia constituye un antecedente metabólico principalmente para la enfermedad cardiovascular en el adulto y la diabetes tipo 2. La prevalencia de la obesidad y sobrepeso en España es del 26.3 % en individuos de 2-24 años (Aranceta, 2007).…”