Life Expectancy Growth Stalls Across Europe, England Sees Sharpest Decline
Life expectancy growth across Europe has significantly slowed, with England experiencing the sharpest decline, according to a study published in The Lancet Public Health, The Guardian reported. Researchers attribute this trend to poor diet, physical inactivity, and rising obesity rates. The study, led by the University of East Anglia, analyzed data from 20 European countries between 1990 and 2021.
England saw the most significant drop in life expectancy improvement, with the average annual increase falling from 0.25 years between 1990 and 2011 to just 0.07 years between 2011 and 2019. Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland also experienced notable declines. In contrast, Norway was the only country to maintain a steady rise in life expectancy, attributed to effective public health policies and lower rates of heart disease and cancer.
The slowdown in life expectancy improvements is largely driven by a rise in cardiovascular diseases, which have been exacerbated by increasing BMI levels, poor diets, and low physical activity. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these trends, with most countries, including England, seeing significant declines in life expectancy between 2019 and 2021.
Professor Nicholas Steel, the study’s lead researcher, emphasized the need for stronger government action to address these issues. “Countries like Norway and Sweden have shown that sustained public health policies can mitigate these risks. In contrast, England’s high levels of dietary risks, physical inactivity, and obesity have contributed to its poor performance,” he said.
The UK government has pledged to prioritize prevention in its upcoming 10-year health plan, aiming to shift focus from treating illness to promoting healthier lifestyles. However, experts warn that reversing these trends will require long-term, population-wide interventions.
As Europe grapples with these challenges, the study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to improve public health and reduce preventable deaths.
