Europe has ‘alarming’ rates of drinking

Alcohol consumption and obesity in Europe is “alarmingly high” and as such the population is at greater risk of heart disease and cancer, health officials have warned.

Alcohol consumption rates in Europe have been described as “alarmingly high”

The European Health Report by the World Health Organization (WHO) claimed that while numerous countries have reduced risk factors for premature death, obesity levels, smoking and alcohol intake all “remain alarmingly high”.

“Europeans drink and smoke more than anyone else,” said Claudia Stein, WHO Europe’s head of information, evidence, research and innovation. “We are world champions – and it’s not a good record.

“The next generation may live shorter lives than we do. That is not acceptable.”

According to the report, throughout the 53-member WHO European region, 30% of the population smokes, on average each person consumes 11 litres of pure alcohol per year and 59% of the population is obese.

In conclusion, the report said: “The European region is on track to achieve the Health 2020 targets but much potential remains for further health gains and reductions of inequities.

“To inform the implementation of Health 2020 adequately, data collections need to be strengthened and new health monitoring approached need to be explored.

“These include the use of non-traditional data sources such as qualitative evidence and narrative studies.

“Enhanced international collaboration is required to move the health information research and development agenda forward in the region.”