Why Europeans are at risk of dying younger

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that young Europeans are now at risk of dying younger than their grandparents. While Europe is achieving targets to reduce premature mortality, levels of alcohol consumption, tobacco use and obesity remain “alarmingly high”, according to the European Health Report 2015. Europe is the world’s largest consumer of tobacco and alcohol, and a staggering 59% of the population is now obese, second only to the Americas.

In addition, people in many European nations are consuming between 90 and 100 grams of sugar a day, as compared to the roughly 50 grams recommended by WHO. European countries make up five of the 10 largest daily sugar consumers.

When it comes to fat intake, the recommendations are for less than 30% of total energy, which at 2,000 calories a day is about 65 grams. Europeans are consuming considerably more. Eight out of the top 10 largest consumers of fat are in Europe, ranging from 73.6 to 95 grams daily.

One in five Europeans report drinking heavily (characterized as five or more drinks in one sitting) at least once a week, making the region a world leader in alcohol consumption.

While Western European efforts to curb tobacco use have helped to reduce overall consumption of tobacco among men, the problem remains a major issue in Eastern Europe, with more than 50% of the male population using tobacco products in most of the top 10 countries. A high percentage of women still use tobacco in the West, with Greece, Germany and Spain all ranking in the top 10 nations for female tobacco consumption.

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Author: Donald Armbrecht is a freelance writer and social media producer.

Image: Empty champagne bottles and glasses are pictured during a New Year’s Eve celebrations in Vienna December 31, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner