One important reason for the multitude of research activities in this field is because physical inactivity and nutrition are significant risk factors for many common non-communicable diseases. During the past decades physical inactivity and high dietary fat intakes have become increasingly prevalent in people's daily lives in industrialised countries. To prevent and to tackle these major diseases, there is a need for a much better understanding of the basic biological and underlying patho-physiological processes, as well as more relevant baseline data describing food intakes and physical activity habits amongst the general population.

Being aware of the importance of nutrition and physical activity for health status a multitude of projects with different scopes and methodologies has arisen. This variety makes it necessary to bring the results of these activities into a coordinated framework.

Physical Activity and Nutrition

Health Information Activities of the EU, WHO, other European Networks, and National Examples

Edited by

Nicole Wolfram, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany

Michael Rigby, Keele University, United Kingdom

Rosa Guiseppa Frazzica, Centro per la Formazione Permanente e l'Aggiornamento del Personale del Servizio Sanitario (CEFPAS), Italy

Wilhelm Kirch, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany

Many health information activities related to nutrition and physical activity have been initiated by various institutions and European networks during the past years. This report assembles findings from the World Health Organization, the EU, various European networks, and national health institutions to create a coordinated health database focusing specifically on physical activity and nutrition. The central role of these factors in long-term health and illness underscores the importance of these data to each nation's health status, and to the current state of its health monitoring, and reporting. This report provides recommendations for future health information activities on physical activity and nutrition. Whether the goal is identifying risk populations or heightening awareness of public health issues.

This comprehensive volume:

• Provides health data for EU member states and candidate countries, as well as the European Economic Area.
• Analyses health trends and the effectiveness of current programs by country.
• Reviews data collection methods and features a full analysis of the database.
• Pinpoints emerging and unresolved health issues and offers recommendations for future initiatives and study.

Physical Activity and Nutrition offers salient reading to professionals in public health, health promotion,international and global health, and disease prevention. Policymakers and others involved in the standardization of health and health awareness programs will especially be interested in this book.