Obesity in Switzerland

Obesity in Switzerland has been increasingly cited as a major health issue in recent years, even though the country had the lowest rate of obesity in Europe in 2015. 14.9% of the adult population had a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.[1]

Compared to the rest of Europe and the Americas, average BMI (about 25) is fairly low and similar to that of many South American and African countries (see List of countries by body mass index).

Swiss women in particular are considered slimmer than other Europeans[2][3] and have an average BMI close to that of China. Twenty-nine per cent of Swiss women and forty-six per cent of Swiss men are considered to be overweight.[3]

The canton of Zurich is considered the most unfit canton in Switzerland.[4] The people who are considered unfit in that canton are mostly located in its largest city, Zurich. People from Zurich tend to be less active compared to people in the countryside.[4]

Causes

Inactivity is blamed for the lack of fitness in men in the canton of Zurich.[4]

Effects

The obesity level in men in the canton of Zurich is a main contributing factor to the fact that only 54.1% of men there are deemed fit enough for military duty.[4] In addition, physical symptoms like back pain, obesity and asthma are more frequently reported.[4]

See also

References
  1. Ballas, Dimitris; Dorling, Danny; Hennig, Benjamin (2017). The Human Atlas of Europe. Bristol: Policy Press. p. 66. ISBN 9781447313540.
  2. "Swiss women score best BMI figures in Europe". Swissinfo. April 1, 2016. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
  3. "Der Westen wird immer dicker" (in German). Süddeutsche Zeitung. August 23, 2010. Retrieved March 8, 2011.
  4. "Der Westen wird immer dicker" (in German). Neue Zürcher Zeitung. February 1, 2010. Retrieved March 8, 2011.
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