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The national food consumption survey on the adult population in Poland was conducted from August 2019 to February 2020 and was funded by EFSA under the EU Menu project. It aimed at collecting food consumption data of a representative sample of adolescents, adults and elderly living in Poland and followed the EFSA EU Menu methodology. Altogether 4,249 subjects aged 10 to ≥75 years old were invited to participate in the study out of which participants were 2,432 individuals with a response rate of 57%. Two additional ad hoc groups of 300 vegetarians aged 18‐50 years old and 150 pregnant women were also recruited. After verifying the collected data, EFSA accepted the data from 2385 subjects (1196 men, 1189 women) in the main group, 246 subjects (118 men, 128 women) in the group of vegetarians and 145 subjects in the group of pregnant women. Data on food consumption was collected by means of two non‐consecutive days through a web‐based 24‐hour dietary recall method. In addition, a food propensity questionnaire was used. Anthropometric measurements of height, weight, waist, and hip circumferences were made to assess the nutritional status of the participants. The level of physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Before the main study the pilot study was conducted for verifying the feasibility of the study organization. The collected data will be used to update the Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database which is regulated and administered by the EFSA. The results will allow the evaluation of diet and nutritional status of adolescents and adults in Poland, including the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The national food consumption survey on the children population in Poland was conducted from August 2019 to February 2020 and was funded by EFSA under the EU Menu project. It aimed at collecting food consumption data of a representative sample of children living in Poland and followed the EFSA EU Menu methodology. Altogether 2605 subjects aged three months to nine years old were invited to participate in the study out of which participants were 1,574 children (780 boys and 794 girls) with a response rate of 60%. An additional group of 300 vegetarians aged six to nine years old was also recruited. After verifying the collected data, EFSA accepted the data from 1565 subjects (777 boys, 788 girls) in the main group and 294 subjects (147 boys, 147 girls) in the group of vegetarians. Data on food consumption was collected by means of two non‐consecutive food dietary record method using a web‐based tool intended for 24‐hour dietary recall method. In addition, a food propensity questionnaire was used. Anthropometric measurements of height, weight, waist and hip circumferences were made to assess the nutritional status of the participants. The level of physical activity was assessed with a short questionnaire, using questions from HBSC (Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children) Polish Study. Before the main study the pilot study was conducted for verifying the feasibility of the study organization. The collected data will be used to update the Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database, which is regulated and administered by EFSA. The results will allow the evaluation of diet and nutritional status of children in Poland, including the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are causes for numerous non-communicable chronic diseases. In recent years their incidence have become a major epidemiological problem both in Poland and many other countries. Purpose: Evaluation of the current situation of the overweight and obesity prevalence among adults in Poland and changes in this regard in the years 1983-2005. Material and Methods: Review of the countrywide research and research in selected towns and regions on overweight and obesity occurrence conducted in Poland over the last 20 years. Results: On the basis of national data for Poland, the incidence of overweight is estimated to be 39-40% among men and 28-29% among women, while the percentage of obese men and women is 16-21% and 19-22% respectively. The incidence of overweight and obesity differs with respect to gender, age, environment, the region of the country and social status. Excessive body weight is often observed in patients treated in hospitals. Abdominal obesity is very common and according to the ATP lII guidelines, affects 16-28% of men and 35-40% of women, whereas under more strict IDF criteria it involves almost 40% of adult males and almost a half of adult females. Conclusions: Results from numerous surveys conducted in the last few years indicate growth of the incidence of overweight and obesity, especially among men. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Poland is comparable with most European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The obesity epidemic is one of the most serious public health problems across many countries. In Poland more than half of the adult population has excessive body weight, while approx. 20% are obese. 15-20% of children and adolescents suffer from excessive body weight, while 4% of them are obese. Moreover, the number of overweight or obese children is growing alarmingly. Obesity can lead to many serious health consequences. Though the most serious disorders are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes type 2 and some cancers. In the nearest future diseases related to obesity will probably become the main cause of death in many countries. This may lead to shorter average life expectancy. The treatment costs of obesity and related diseases are constantly increasing. The most important preventive measure aiming at curbing the effects of obesity involves lifestyle change, including a change in diet and physical activity. The best results should be obtained by multifaceted programmes, which cover activities aiming at the improvement of both diet and physical activity. Due to the spread of the obesity epidemic, the countries of WHO European Region signed the European Charter on Counteracting Obesity, in which they declared their commitment to combat obesity. Activities aiming at combating obesity in Poland should be closely connected with the implementation of the National Programme for the Prevention of Overweight, Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases through Diet and Improved Physical Activity, which will be implemented in 2007-2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]