Obesity levels in Cyprus have reached 16.9%, according to the Child Health Research and Education Institute, which on Friday released the findings of the National Nutrition Study. This is the first nationwide food consumption data collection conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the European Food Safety Authority. 

The study began in 2014 and was completed in 2018. In 2022, adult participants aged 18–64 were re-evaluated for changes in body weight during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 1,864 individuals of all ages participated in the study, including infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, adults up to 74 years of age, and pregnant women.

The findings indicate that obesity is statistically more prevalent in rural areas (20.5%) compared to urban areas (14.6%), with a higher incidence observed among low-income households.

One in three Cypriots has very low levels of physical activity, and nearly one in two adult men and about one in three adult women smoke regularly. Additionally, approximately one in five Cypriots has poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

The study also recorded the following parameters: weight, height, blood pressure, waist circumference, educational level, household income, sleep duration, physical activity levels, nutrient intake, use of dietary supplements, general dietary habits, frequency of breastfeeding, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, Orthodox fasting practices, and adult weight changes during the early COVID-19 period.

The data show that only 7% of the adult population observes full fasting periods required by the Orthodox Church. Furthermore, one in five Cypriot mothers does not breastfeed at all.

During the first two years of the pandemic, adults gained an average of 2.7 kg. These and other findings, along with policy recommendations aimed at improving public health in Cyprus, are detailed in the study publication.