Finland faces rising obesity, mental health, and dementia trends

Recent reports highlight significant shifts in public health trends in Finland. According to the Kalevi Sorsa Foundation’s report on inequality, obesity rates among Finns have approximately doubled since the start of the 2000s, affecting both men and women.

Mental health issues have also emerged as a major health threat. Data from Kela shows that annual sickness benefit days due to mental health problems have increased by approximately 1.3 million over the last decade. While these absences affect both genders, women account for over three million days annually, compared to under two million for men. Researchers suggest that changes in work patterns, such as remote work and technological shifts, may contribute to these trends.

Separately, research from the University of Helsinki predicts a sharp rise in dementia cases due to an aging population. The total number of people with dementia is expected to grow from approximately 124,000 in 2018 to about 216,000 by 2040. Depending on the availability of long-term care services, the number of individuals living with dementia at home could potentially more than double, reaching up to 170,000 by 2040.