35% of North Macedonia’s population is overweight

35% of North Macedonia’s population is overweight

Weight gain is a serious health problem and has a worrying growing trend both in the world and in our country, especially affecting children and adolescents. Statistical data show that in our country the prevalence of obesity reaches 30–35 percent. In this regard, the functioning of obesity treatment centers at the Endocrinology Clinic and at the “8 Shtatori” Primary Health Center is particularly important. This week, the first obesity management center in the southwestern region was opened at the Ohrid Hospital.

“It is a serious chronic disease, associated with over 200 comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and other conditions, therefore a multisectoral response and increased public awareness of this global challenge are particularly important.”, emphasized Minister Azir Aliu in his speech at the professional symposium, organized by the scientific association for obesity OBEM.

The symposium emphasized the need for increased public awareness and preventive action, as well as the importance of multisectoral cooperation between institutions and the non-governmental sector.

The Ministry announces that they continue with support measures, including through the activities of the Program for the provision of insulin, glucagon, insulin needles and blood sugar measuring strips, with a special focus on education on the treatment and control of diabetes, considering that obesity is closely linked to type 2 diabetes.