The Hellenic Basketball Federation, wishing to contribute to informing and raising awareness of the general population about the importance of preventing childhood / adolescent obesity through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, proceeded to sign a memorandum of cooperation with Novo Nordisk Hellas.
Through the Memorandum, which was symbolically signed on World Obesity Day, the two parties jointly recognize that, in the context of their institutional and operational role, they can use their experiences and capabilities to take initiatives and implement actions for the benefit of society, in the context of the implementation of an awareness campaign of the general population about the disease of obesity, with emphasis on the prevention of childhood / adolescent obesity that plagues our country.
In particular, they agree to develop a framework for cooperation between them, in order to contribute through their joint actions: to the development and implementation of information and awareness campaigns for the prevention of childhood / adolescent obesity; and
in the implementation of actions aimed at informing young people and their caregivers about the benefits of sports, the value of raising awareness about the benefits of exercise through positive experiences, their familiarity with basketball and the benefits of sports for their physical and mental health young people.
The cooperation of the two parties is estimated to develop valuable synergies and multiplier effects in the critical work of raising the general population awareness about obesity, contributing to public health and improving the quality of life of young people.
About World Obesity Day
In 2015 the World Obesity Federation (WOF) declared October 11th as World Obesity Day, while for the first time in 2020, the celebration took place on March 4, as the first common World Obesity Day, as in previous years there were different days of celebration around the world, by many federations for obesity.9
Latest Epidemiological Data
Epidemiological data show the true magnitude of the disease called Obesity and whether it affects not only the world population, but also Greece1,3.
According to data from 2016 from the World Health Organization, more than 650 million adults suffer from obesity worldwide, while this number is constantly increasing, as well as the severity of the cases. According to these data, 39% of adults worldwide live with overweight, while 13% live with obesity.2, 3, 4
At European level, available data indicate that the prevalence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate across the continent, affecting approximately 10-30% of adults.5.6
In Greece, according to a recent epidemiological study, obesity affects 32.1% of the country’s population, ie about 3 million people.
One issue that should be of concern to the entire population, regarding the increase in obesity worldwide, is the significant increase that is observed in the rates of childhood and adolescent obesity. According to 2016 data from the World Health Organization, more than 124 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years suffer from obesity, while about 8 out of 10 children and adolescents living with obesity will suffer from obesity in adulthood. This will affect future generations, as childhood and adolescence obesity are associated with multiple comorbidities in adulthood.2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11
About Novo Nordisk in Greece
For the first time in 1979, Novo Nordisk was active in Greece under the distinctive name “Novo Hellas Pharmaceutical Ltd.”, importing products for diabetes. From then until today, it holds a leading position in the Greek Pharmaceutical Market, constantly increasing its portfolio and investing in the prevention and early diagnosis of diabetes, in the treatment of obesity, hemophilia, developmental disorders, and rare diseases. The company is called Novo Nordisk Hellas Ltd. since 1991. In recent years, in addition to the ever-growing product portfolio, the company has been active in the field of clinical trials in Greece, basically implementing clinical programs on behalf of the parent company. For more information, visit: www.novonordisk.gr
About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a company with a global presence in the field of health, founded in 1923 and based in Denmark. Our goal is to drive change to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic conditions such as obesity, hemophilia and developmental disorders. We are fulfilling our commitment through our pioneering scientific discoveries, expanding access to our medicines and our efforts to prevent and, ultimately, cure chronic diseases. Novo Nordisk has approximately 47,800 employees in 80 countries and is based in more than 170 countries. For more information, visit: novonordisk.com, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube.
About the Hellenic Basketball Federation
The Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK) is the highest administrative organization for basketball in Greece. Under its supervision are the national teams of Men and Women of different ages, the amateur championships, the Greek cup as well as the development program.
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
