In Europe today, six out of the seven most important risk factors for premature death (blood pressure, cholesterol, Body Mass Index, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption) relate to how we eat, drink and move (the odd one out being tobacco). A balanced diet and regular physical activity, along with restraining from smoking, are important factors in the promotion and maintenance of good health. Moreover, it is those with lower incomes and education level that are most affected.

Overweight and obesity are increasing at an alarming rate in Europe. Obesity is one of the most serious public health problems in Europe because it increases significantly the risk of many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers., Today, these diseases represent the biggest burden of diseases and are the leading cause of mortality in Europe as well as worldwide. The increase of childhood obesity is particularly worrying. Lifestyle factors,including diet, eating habits, levels of physical activity as well as inactivity, are often adopted during the early years of life. As childhood obesity is also strongly linked to obesity in adulthood, the best time to address the problem is early in life.

Maintaining normal weight is challenging nowadays. The environments people live in are very obesity favourable. There is an abundance of energy-rich food that is often poor in nutrients, and decreasing needs and opportunities for physical activity both at work and at leisure time. The food portion sizes grow year by year, even though people actually need less and less energy due to the shift towards sedentary lifestyles.

The European Commission is aware of the seriousness of this problem. Nutrition, physical activity and obesity are key priorities in the EU public health policy and are taken up by the Public health action programme (2008-2013).

Nutrition Policy
The European Commission is committed to the promotion of healthy diets and physical activity as a part of health lifestyles.

High Level Group on Nutrition and Physical Activity
The High Level Group, set up by the Commission in 2007, comprises representatives of national governments.

Diet, Physical Activity and Health - EU Platform for Action
On March 2005, the European Commission launched the Diet, Physical Activity and Health - EU Platform for Action

Nutrition and Physical activity under the Public Health Programme (2008-2013) – "Together for Health"
On 23 October 2007, the European Parliament and the Council adopted the second Community action programme for public health. This programme runs for a 5-year period (from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2013).