Over-fed Spaniards

One week ago two researchers of the Universidasd Autónoma de Madrid, J.R. Banegas and F. Rodríguez Artalejo, presented their study "Enrica" (financed by Sanofi) on the health of the average Spaniard, after examining 12.000 adults. Its outcome can be summarized like this: 62% of the adult population is overweight (23% obese), and this is the result of a sedentary lifestyle. 28% smokers. The average inhabitant of this country passes 14 hours a week watching TV and seven hours in front of a computer screen.

A recurring problem for the treatment of overweight patients is described by Dr. Banegas: "Every citizen is advised to realize physical activity during their time of leasure (a minimum of 150 minutes/week of moderate physical activity, or 60 minutes of vigorous activity), but only 30% of the population follows this advise."

The traditional Mediterranean diet - admired and copied by the health conscious all over the world - has incorporated too much animal fat.
The study informs about the recommended portions of a nutritional mix, and the actual amount in the typical Spaniard's diet; though they eat a lot, of some nutrients their intake is deficient:

nutrients....................recommended.........actually taken in
saturated fats..............7-8%........................12%
proteins......................<300 g.....................400+
carbohydrates..............50-55%...................42%
fibers...........................25+%......................23%

They also take in too few fruits and vegetables and too little milk.

Dr. Banegas: "80% of Spaniards with obesity is medically counselled about weight loss, but only 40% follows these recommendations."

Another problem is smoking: 28% of the population means quite a high rate in comparison to other developed countries.

33% of the population suffers from high blood pressure. One third does not know it. A lot of those who know it and are treated do not follow their physician's advise, which means that only 20% of hypertension is well treated.
One in two Spaniards has problem with high cholesterol levels, but half of them do not know and others do not follow an adequate diet though they know. 7% of the population are diabetics.
The study author's haven't noticed important changes in comparison with earlier studies, and they see their outcomes in line with developments in other Mediterranean countries.

The main problems remain a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and eating too much, especially meat.
(source www.lavanguardia.com)