In 2024, around 18.1% of French adults were obese, according to the national epidemiological study on weight and obesity by the National League Against Obesity. A real scourge, which the government decided to tackle head on this year by “consolidating what works, correcting what is weakening and accelerating where the expectation is greatest“. Explanations.
Four objectives for 2030
Obesity strikes earlier and earlier. It also continues to strike the poorest households and exposes them to serious medical complications, particularly in its most severe forms (defined by a BMI between 35 and 40). Faced with this most worrying observation, the Minister of Health unveiled her 2026-2030 roadmap to better manage this disease.
In detail, this action plan presents four main objectives:
- Contribute to curbing the progression of obesity and improving the health of those affected.
- Increase access to personalized, local and long-term care.
- Develop the number of professionals aware and trained.
- Capitalize on innovative pathways and support, covering all levels of recourse.
To achieve these objectives, the roadmap is based on three main priorities, implemented through several concrete measures and actions:
- Identify and refer people at risk or already experiencing obesity earlier (in particular through Maternal and Child Protection (PMI) and school medicine), while improving the collection and use of health data;
- Structuring and strengthening the Obesity sectors at the territorial level;
- Develop training and tools for health professionals and other stakeholders involved.
Obesity: the foundations have already been laid in the past
Although the prevalence of obesity continues to increase, strong measures have already been adopted in the past: its recognition as a chronic disease, the creation of specialized obesity centers (CSO), multidisciplinary care and… supervision of drug treatments. A necessary measure in view of recent abuses and misappropriation of anti-obesity products.
“A national position on supporting prescriptions for drug treatments for obesity has been developed (…) in order to secure practices and prevent the risk of misuse.” confirms the press release.
Good initiatives, which would however benefit from being accompanied by even more ambitious nutritional recommendations.
“The French are being hit hard by the economic crisis and the poorest households are unable to understand the fact that eating a balanced diet can be inexpensive,” reveals Dr Arnaud Cocaul, nutritionist.
In fact, to prevent obesity, “Campaigns should be put in place showing that it is possible to eat a balanced and expensive diet. And, of course, distributors should also play the game by stopping the promotion of oversized industrial products: bags of candy near the checkouts or even popping XXL popcorn at the cinema. he recalls.
At home, also remember to set an example for your children by reducing your consumption of sugar, sweets, sodas, biscuits and prepared meals.