The 21st of May has been selected as the European Obesity Day (EOD), an important initiative taken by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO). Themed as Action for a Healthier Future, EOD is a great opportunity to raise awareness and increase knowledge about the ever-increasing problem of obesity and the many other diseases that it brings with it.
Obesity: a health problem, but not an incurable one!
Obesity is nothing more than the energy imbalance that is caused when the calories consumed are higher than the calories expended, still, numbers in Europe are not that optimistic. It is estimated that 23% of women and 20% of men currently have obesity1, while by 2030, it is estimated that more than 50% of the European population will have obesity2. However, obesity is not incurable! On the contrary, it can be prevented and even reversed with small but fundamental steps in everyday life such as eating smarter and healthier, taking regular exercise, engaging in less sedentary activities and even sleeping better.
Low calorie sweeteners: an ally in weight control
Since one of the ways people can manage their weight more efficiently is limiting calorie intake, mainly from total fats and sugars, low calorie sweeteners provide a “sweet” solution to those who do not want to miss the sweet taste but do not want the calories that come with it.
Replacing sugar-sweetened foods and beverages with those sweetened with low calorie sweeteners can cut daily calorie intake by 10% and help with weight management without feeling deprived of, or increasing the craving for, sweet taste4.
Being a firm believer of the power of awareness raising in the prevention of important health issues, the International Sweeteners Association (ISA) is proud to support the EASO in this great effort against obesity and commits to stay a close partner to similar initiatives.
The ISA is also pleased to announce that will be present where the scientific dialogue around obesity takes place and will be participating in the European Obesity Summit in Gothenburg from 1st until 4th of June. You may read more about ISA participation in the European Obesity Summit by clicking here.
If you want to find out more on the role of low calorie sweeteners in weight control and management but also smart ways to reduce calories and sugars in your diet you can visit our website to download our new factsheets.