Childhood obesity remains at very high levels in Cyprus, with experts warning that the trend poses a serious long-term public-health threat.
At a session of the parliamentary Health Committee, specialists presented data from a World Health Organization surveillance programme involving 38 countries.
According to those figures, childhood obesity in Cyprus reaches up to 42%, while adult obesity is close to 30%.
Scientists stressed that around four in five children with obesity are likely to remain obese in adulthood, increasing the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
Dietary patterns and limited physical activity were highlighted as key drivers, alongside concern that the upward trend may continue in the coming years.
In the same context, the Cyprus Scientific Society for the Study of Obesity (KEMEPA) was announced, with a focus on training health professionals and developing prevention and management actions.
Following the presentation, the Health Committee decided to send a letter to the Health Minister requesting immediate advancement of measures to address the situation.
