Overweight and obesity (BMI > 25 kg/m²) are globally recognized as the fifth risk factor for overall mortality and are currently classified as a disease. In Romania, the prevalence has shown a worrying upward trend, with the cohort aged 45–64 presenting the maximum prevalence of obesity (25. 2%) 3. This paper addresses obesity not merely as a medical concern but as a key determinant of national sustainability and competitiveness, impacting labor productivity and chronic disease burden. The paper presents an overview of this dynamic and highlights the effective management and communication interventions adopted at the local level (Gorj County), in collaboration with the "Constantin Brâncuși" University 6. These interventions, centered on primary prevention policies, utilized strategies aligned with the European strategy for nutrition and obesity management 4. Ultimately, the strategic promotion of healthy lifestyles, supported by evidence-based approaches and effective communication channels, is vital for ensuring the long-term health, productivity, and economic competitiveness of the population.
DELIA NICA-BADEA (Mon,) studied this question.