Despite advancements in medication, the negative effects of obesity and poor nutrition have either worsened or remained unchanged in many European countries.

The research indicates that unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles are major contributors to cardiovascular diseases, further impacting life expectancy.

The UK, particularly England, has experienced the worst performance in life expectancy improvements, especially pronounced during the pandemic.

A recent study from the University of East Anglia highlights a significant slowdown in life expectancy improvements across Europe since 2011, with annual gains dropping from three months to less than two.

Countries such as Norway, Iceland, and Sweden have managed to maintain or improve life expectancy through effective public health policies, contrasting sharply with the UK, which has seen the largest slowdown.

Lead researcher Professor Nick Steel noted that while older populations continue to see improvements in life expectancy, younger generations face increased mortality risks due to lifestyle-related health issues.

Researchers advocate for stronger governmental policies to combat health challenges, suggesting that measures such as taxation on unhealthy products could help mitigate these issues.

Ultimately, the research suggests that lifestyle changes and robust government interventions are essential for reversing the trend of declining life expectancy, particularly for younger generations.

The findings underscore the urgent need for significant changes in public health policies to address obesity and poor diet, or the trend of declining life expectancy may persist.

This decline is primarily attributed to increased deaths from cardiovascular diseases, which were the leading cause of reduced life expectancy between 2011 and 2019, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public health officials, including NHS England's Sarah Price, emphasize the importance of prevention strategies to tackle the root causes of health issues like obesity and inactivity.

Published on February 18, 2025, in The Lancet, this study provides critical insights into the factors affecting life expectancy across Europe.