CINDI highlights 2005

Abstract

Major chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (‎‎COPD)‎‎ and diabetes result from a few lifestyle related behaviours. These behaviours - unhealthy diet, reduced physical activity, tobacco use and alcohol abuse - lead to obesity and hypertension and to an increased risk of lipids and glucose metabolism disorders. Although evidence is growing that these diseases can be prevented, many European Member States lack a national policy, and therefore do not take the action needed to control and prevent chronic diseases.The WHO CINDI (‎‎Countrywide Noncommunicable Disease Intervention)‎‎ Programme supports prevention and control of chronic diseases through an integrated approach towards risk factors such as unhealthy diet, reduced physical activity, tobacco use and alcohol abuse. This issue of the CINDI newsletter focuses on activities implemented by countries participating in the CINDI Programme in 2005. Particular focus is made on the actions aimed at counteracting obesity