Last update:
25-Sep-2025

This study presents a systematic review of the bibliographic data on adult obesity and overweight in Greece since 2000. The primary objective is to highlight the issue, assess long-term trends, and offer forecasts for the future. A comprehensive search of the international and Greek literature was conducted utilizing three well-established databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Google Scholar. To ensure the most complete possible overview of the Greek literature, the search was also extended to the Mednet database. The findings reveal a significant relative rise of 80% in adult obesity prevalence in Greece since 2002. Specifically, in 2002, the prevalence of adult obesity in Greece was 17.5%, whereas according to epidemiological studies conducted in 2016, it increased to 32.1%. Conversely, the prevalence of overweight has decreased in recent years, from 41.9% in 2002 to 37.6% in 2016. According to the results of the predictive models applied in the present study, by 2030 it is estimated that 25% of the total population will be living with obesity and 39% will be living with overweight. Slightly higher rates of obesity are expected among women (26%) than men (24%), while overweight rates are projected to be higher among men (46%) compared to women (34%). Obesity, a silent epidemic that undermines the health of the Greek population, requires a holistic approach and the immediate mobilization. Its far-reaching effects on health, economy and society make the need for a collective effort to address it imperative.

Key words: Greece, Obesity, Overweight, Predictions, Prevalence.