12
Mar
2026
Watch
Prevention and treatment of obesity (debate)
Madam President, Commissioner! Obesity is not a marginal phenomenon, but a global health crisis. Being overweight destroys health – we have heard about it – shortens lives and puts a strain on our health system. Diabetes, heart attacks, strokes have long been commonplace. The cause of obesity is known: Those who permanently consume more calories than they consume will gain weight. Losing weight can only be achieved through a deficit. Food is a choice, not a mere coincidence. Self-responsibility is not an insult, but the beginning of any change. Yes, poor nutrition and lack of exercise often arise in difficult living conditions. This explains the problems, but does not excuse them. Politics can help here, but the responsibility remains with the individual. If you wait for politics while eating, you will only get more regulation in the end – and that would be downright wrong.