Uncontrolled diet and lack of physical activity are driving Albanians fast to obesity. This situation is caused, inter alia, by exposure to deadly diseases.
A survey by the Institute of Public Health and INSTAT found that in 2018 about 45% of women and 53% of men aged 15-49 were overweight or obese.
Half of women aged 15-49 are of normal weight, 4% are weak and 45% are overweight or obese.
The percentage of women aged 15-49 underweight has increased slightly from 3% in 2008 to 4% in 2018. In the same period, the percentage of overweight women by 39% in 2008 increased to 45% in 2018.
The percentage of overweight or obese women increases significantly with age, from 14% in women aged 15-19 years to 75% in women aged 40-49.
The percentage of overweight or obese women decreases with rising education levels, from 49% in women with primary and 4-year-olds to less than 35% among those with university degrees.
While among men aged 15-49, 39% have normal weight, 2% are underweight, and nearly 60% are overweight or obese.
The percentage of males aged 15-49 under weight grew slightly from 1% in 2008 to 2% in 2018. The percentage of overweight or obese men remained unchanged at 53%.
As with women, the percentage of overweight or obese men increases significantly with age, from 14% being obesity at age 15-19, to 76% in men aged 40-49.
Percentages of normal weight males are higher in rural areas (48%) than in urban areas (43%).
The percentage of overweight and obese men is lower in the lower educational level and higher in the most advanced levels of education.
Approximately 60% of university males and high wealth quintiles are overweight or obese.
Source: Monitor Magazine
