The European health landscape is constantly evolving. Advances in medicine, lifestyle changes, climate shifts, and new epidemiological threats are influencing which diseases dominate society. Over the past few decades, we have observed a clear shift in the structure of morbidity—while some diseases have been nearly eradicated, others are gaining significance and posing increasing challenges to healthcare systems. What are the latest trends in morbidity in Europe, and what should we pay particular attention to?
Lifestyle diseases – the greatest threat of the 21st century
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 86% of deaths in Europe are caused by chronic diseases, also known as lifestyle diseases. Among these, the most prevalent are:
✔ Cardiovascular diseases – still the leading cause of death in Europe. In Poland, they account for about 45% of all deaths. Hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and strokes are increasingly affecting younger individuals. The reasons include unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, and chronic stress.
✔ Cancer – according to the European Society of Oncology, 4 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in Europe in 2022. Although treatment advancements are significant, the rise in cases is partly due to an aging population, environmental pollution, and lifestyle factors (smoking, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise).
✔ Type 2 diabetes – one of the fastest-growing health threats. Currently, over 60 million Europeans live with diabetes, and this number continues to rise. Experts warn that the main causes are obesity and diets high in simple sugars.
✔ Neurodegenerative diseases – over 10 million people in Europe already suffer from dementia, and this number is expected to double by 2050. Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions are becoming one of the most serious challenges for healthcare systems, especially in the context of an aging population.
The obesity epidemic and its consequences
Thirty years ago, obesity was primarily a problem in the United States. Today, Europe is increasingly resembling the U.S. – according to the WHO, 60% of European adults are overweight, and 25% suffer from obesity. Even more concerning, the issue is growing among children – one in three European children is now overweight.
The consequences? Obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and cancer. It also burdens national economies – according to an OECD report, the costs of treating obesity-related diseases consume up to 3% of GDP in some European countries.
Infectious diseases – a resurging threat
While infectious diseases seemed like a problem of the past, the COVID-19 pandemic proved that they remain a real threat. In addition to the coronavirus, there is growing concern about other diseases:
???? Tuberculosis – although the number of cases has declined in most countries, it remains a serious issue in Eastern Europe. The WHO warns that 1 in 10 tuberculosis cases in Europe is resistant to antibiotics, making it much harder to combat.
???? Measles – in recent years, the number of cases in Europe has increased by over 500%. The reason is a decline in vaccination rates, especially in some countries, leading to the resurgence of diseases that were nearly eradicated.
???? Tick-borne diseases – climate change is causing the tick population in Europe to grow, along with cases of Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. In Poland, over 20,000 cases of Lyme disease are diagnosed annually, making it one of the most common infectious threats.
New health threats
Climate change and globalization are also bringing new health challenges. Increasingly, there is talk of:
???? Heatwaves and their effects – in 2022, heatwaves in Europe caused over 60,000 deaths. Heatstroke, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses are becoming a growing health problem, especially among the elderly.
???? Air pollution – the WHO estimates that air pollution is responsible for over 400,000 premature deaths annually in Europe. Smog increases the risk of respiratory, cardiovascular, and cancerous diseases.
???? Mental health issues and technology addiction – depression and anxiety disorders are now one of the leading causes of work incapacity in Europe. Additionally, more research points to the negative impact of excessive social media use on mental health, particularly among young people.
What can we do?
The changes in Europe’s disease profile show that prevention is key. The rise in lifestyle diseases means we need to focus more on healthy living – diet, physical activity, and regular preventive check-ups.
At the same time, in the face of growing infectious disease threats, maintaining high vaccination rates and monitoring new epidemiological risks is crucial.
???? Health is an investment – the earlier we start taking care of it, the better the outcomes will be in the future. European societies are aging, and with that, health challenges are growing. That’s why it’s worth taking action now to ensure a longer and healthier life.
