Recent studies in Luxembourg reveal that an increasing number of residents, including children, are grappling with overweight and obesity issues.

The Ministry of Health and Social Security in Luxembourg took advantage of World Obesity Day 2024 to remind the public that the prevalence of overweight and obesity continues to rise within the country.

Data from the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS), conducted in 2019, indicates a notable uptick in the proportion of obese adults from 15.6% in 2014 to 16.5% in 2019. Despite this, Luxembourg remains on par with the European average of 16.5%. Gender disparities are evident, with men experiencing a higher obesity rate at 18.4% compared to women at 14.6%. About 40% of men and 24% of women in Luxembourg are considered overweight, with approximately one-third of the population (31.9%) falling into that category.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines overweight as having a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 30. Moderate obesity corresponds to a BMI between 30 and 35, while severe obesity ranges from 35 to 40, and a BMI over 40 is classified as morbid obesity. BMI is calculated based on an individual's height and weight, independent of age or gender (weight (kg) / height (m)).

Further findings from the study indicate that 48.1% of individuals aged 15 and above in Luxembourg do not consume fruits and/or vegetables daily, well above the European average of 32.9%. Conversely, while fruit and vegetable intake may be lacking, Luxembourg residents surpass the European average in physical activity. Approximately 64.7% of Luxembourg residents engage in endurance physical activity, compared to 50.2% at the European level. Additionally, 42.3% of the Luxembourg population participates in more than 150 minutes of endurance physical activity per week, compared to 29.9% at the EU level.

More recent studies have delved deeper into the issue of obesity in Luxembourg, particularly focusing on younger demographics. A 2022 study titled "Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children" revealed that 21% of individuals aged 11 to 18 are classified as overweight or obese, marking a slight increase from the 19% reported in a 2018 study.

Findings from the National Health Observatory's first report on children's health in Luxembourg, titled Eng gesond Zukunft ("A Healthy Future") and published in January 2023, highlight disparities based on socio-economic backgrounds. The report indicates that the rate of overweight among young people aged 11 to 12 from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds stood at 24%, compared to 18% among those from more privileged backgrounds.

To address these trends, Luxembourg has initiated an interministerial programme named Gesond iessen, Méi beweegen ("Eat healthily, exercise more" – GIMB), aimed at promoting balanced diets and regular physical activity while tackling obesity and sedentary lifestyles across the population.

The sante.lu website also features a dedicated section on obesity (available only in French).