Poland faces rising health challenges despite increased life expectancy

Recent epidemiological data from the WOBASZ3 study reveals significant health challenges in Poland. While life expectancy has increased—reaching 75.4 years for men and 82.5 years for women in 2025—the quality of life is threatened by rising rates of lifestyle diseases.

Approximately 39% of Polish adults are overweight, and 21% suffer from obesity. Additionally, over 32% of the population deals with hypertension, and nearly 900,000 people live with undiagnosed diabetes. Experts emphasize that prevention is the primary tool for ensuring longevity in good health.

Medical professionals highlight a strong correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Type 2 diabetes. Research indicates that a BMI between 31.0 and 32.9 increases diabetes risk by 40 times, while a BMI of 35 or higher increases the risk nearly 100-fold. Experts note that the prevalence of these conditions has shifted from being diseases of the elite to widespread public health issues due to the mass availability of inexpensive, processed foods.