Country profiles on nutrition, physical activity and obesity in the 53 WHO European Region Member States. Methodology and summary (2013)

To support the exchange of experiences, policy development and action in the areas of nutrition, physical activity and obesity, the WHO Regional Office has compiled profiles on the 53 countries in the WHO European Region. While the individual country profiles are issued separately, this short publication gives an overview of information on the monitoring and surveillance of overweight and obesity, exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, the intake of saturated fatty acids and salt, the supply of fruit and vegetables, iodine status and physical inactivity. A policy section summarizes salt-reduction initiatives, trans fatty acids policies, actions in the area of marketing of food and non-alcoholic beverages to children, and physical activity policies and recommendations. It also describes the methodology and the data sources used.