A group of 18 MEPs led by Magdalena Adamowicz (PPE) has asked the European Commission whether it intends to recognise obesity as a chronic disease under European public health policy, in a written parliamentary question dated 17 June 2026. The MEPs argue that fragmented recognition, diagnosis, and treatment across the EU is failing patients and costing the bloc an estimated EUR 70 billion annually, according to the Blueprint for Action to Address Obesity.
The question cites the World Health Organization and the American Medical Association, which have already classified obesity as a chronic disease, and notes that over half of EU adults are overweight, with 17% suffering from obesity. The MEPs recall that the European Parliament called on the Commission to align with the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in a December 2023 resolution, but say progress has been insufficient.
whether the Commission will recognise obesity as a chronic disease and through which policy instruments and timeframe; how it intends to support Member States in improving recognition, research, and treatment; and whether it will address discrimination against people with obesity, particularly children affected by bullying both offline and online.
The question does not set numerical targets or deadlines but seeks a clear policy direction. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will signal whether it plans to take legislative or non-legislative steps to harmonise obesity management across the EU.
If the Commission acts, EU health systems and national authorities would face pressure to standardise diagnosis and treatment protocols, potentially increasing costs but improving outcomes. Patients and civil society groups advocating for obesity recognition would benefit from reduced stigma and better access to care. The food and pharmaceutical industries could see new regulatory and market opportunities, while insurers and employers may face adjusted coverage and productivity dynamics.