More than seven out of ten people living with obesity are affected primarily because of genetic factors rather than lifestyle or dietary choices, specialists told the House health committee.
Scientists in Cyprus are attempting to reposition the public discussion around obesity, a condition they say is evolving into a global health crisis, particularly among younger age groups. The initiative coincides with the establishment of the Cyprus Society for the Study of Obesity.
Experts also stressed the need to remove stigma surrounding patients and called for substantive intervention by the health ministry, noting that the issue has remained largely unaddressed despite consistently high national rates since 2015.
Genetics identified as a major factor
Specialist physician Charis Constantinou said approximately 75 per cent of obesity cases are linked to genetic factors.
Addressing members of parliament, he said individuals themselves should not be blamed for the condition and highlighted the need to improve access to treatment, including medication and bariatric surgery.
He added that while genetic predisposition plays a major role, family environment and eating habits also influence the development of obesity. The disease, he said, requires lifelong management.
Cyprus leads Europe in childhood obesity
Senior clinical dietitian Dr Eliza Markidou said Cyprus has ranked first in Europe for childhood obesity since 2015, with rates reaching up to 42 per cent.
Among adults, obesity affects roughly 30 per cent of the population.
According to Markidou, authorities have long been aware of the problem but have not implemented coordinated or sustained measures.
“What happens is fragmented and lacks a unified plan,” she said, warning that the absence of consistent policy makes it difficult to reverse the upward trend, which data suggest will worsen in the coming years.
Scientists call for national policy framework
Specialists called for the immediate development of a national strategy to prevent and manage obesity, stressing that isolated initiatives are insufficient.
Their proposals include recognising obesity as a disease in Cyprus, incorporating relevant treatments and medications into the national health system Gesy, and establishing a specialised obesity centre staffed by a multidisciplinary medical team.
Experts also referred to policies implemented in other countries, including Greece, where structured programmes supported by funding have produced measurable outcomes. They noted that the expertise required already exists and could be applied in Cyprus if political will emerges.
Psychological and physical consequences
The discussion also highlighted the health and psychological consequences of obesity.
Constantinou referred to both functional and mental health complications, noting that some individuals with severe obesity develop depression and social isolation because of their weight.
“There are people who isolate themselves completely because they cannot bear to see their own body,” he said.
Markidou added that children living with obesity are significantly more exposed to bullying. Obesity is also strongly associated with non-communicable diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
She also noted that around 80 per cent of obese children are likely to become obese adults.
Schools seen as key to prevention
Members of parliament also raised concerns about the growing financial burden obesity places on the healthcare system through the treatment of related diseases.
They emphasised the importance of prevention, particularly through schools.
Proposals included strengthening physical education programmes and involving the education ministry in prevention strategies, drawing on practices applied in other countries aimed at reducing childhood obesity rates.