March 4 is World Obesity Day. This is a reminder of the health risks that excess body weight entails, as well as the need to form healthy eating habits through life. 60% of Ukrainians are overweight, and 25% are obese. This is evidenced by the results of the study of the prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Ukraine in 2019 (STEPS).
According to the first study in Ukraine on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary school children, conducted within the framework of the WHO European Initiative, among Ukrainian children aged 6–8, overweight is observed in 23%, of which 9% are obese, and 3% are severely obese.
Overweight and obesity increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, some types of cancer, and also negatively affect the condition of the musculoskeletal system and general well-being.
On March 4, 2025, as part of the events ‘NUPh on the side of health’, an industry scientific and practical online seminar was held for World Obesity Day ‘WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO CARE ABOUT A HEALTHY BODY WEIGHT!’ The event was organized by the Department of Physical Rehabilitation and Health of the National University of Pharmacy. The seminar with reports on current issues of obesity was attended by about 15 participants, scientists, staff and students. Reports on current issues of obesity were presented.
