Epidemiology of obesity in Spain.: Dietary guidelines and strategies for prevention

Obesity is considered a major Public Health issue in most developed countries nowadays for its wide spread across population groups, as well as its contribution to the development of chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Available population data in Spain from the SEEDO'2000 study show a prevalence of obesity (BMI >= 30 kg/m(2)) of 14,5% in adults aged 25-60 years, estimates based on individual measurement of body weight and height. Obesity rates are higher among women aged 45 years and older, low social class; living in semi-urban places. Geographical distribution of the problem shows a trend for higher rates towards the South-SouthEast of the country, i.e. Andalucia, Murcia and the Canary Islands. Population data for Spanish children and young people based on the enKid study - cross-sectional study on a random national sample of the population aged 2-24 years - estimate a prevalence of obesity of 13,9% for the whole group. Geographical distribution draws a similar pattern to that described for adults'. Higher peaks of the problem are identified between 9-13 years among boys from a low socioeconomical background. The analysis of determinants of obesity in Spanish children and young people show that overweight and obesity is related to absence of breastfeeding, low consumption of fruit and vegetables; high consumption of cakes and buns, softdrinks and butchery products, low physical activity levels and a positive association with time spent watching TV. The joint consensus document produced by the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP), Spanish Society of Community Nutrition (SENC) and Spanish Society for the Study of Obesity (SEEDO) considers a global strategy for the prevention of obesity from early stages in life. The important role of the family,and the school setting as well as the responsibility of the Health Administration and Pediatric care in the prevention of obesity is highlighted in the document.