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Health survey indicates fewer smokers and less soda consumption in Norway

According to new figures from Statistics Norway, most Norwegians seem to have adopted healthier lifestyles and a more prevention-based attitude in recent years. (Photograph: ginger_polina_bublik/Shutterstock)

Mon. 20 June 2016

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OSLO, Norway: New data from Statistics Norway indicate that Norwegian health habits have improved in recent years. According to recent figures from the 2015 health interview survey, people in the country smoke less, consume fewer sugary drinks and exercise more. Moreover, the analysis showed a steady decrease in the prevalence of caries in children and adolescents.

Although the trend has been slower than desired from a public health perspective, government initiatives towards a healthier lifestyle and better health are beginning to bear fruit. Overall, the latest figures indicate that there has been a significant decline in daily smoking and soda consumption among both women and men. In 2015, 13 per cent reported smoking daily, compared with 24 per cent in 2005. Generally, young women claimed to eat more fruits and vegetables and exercise more than age-matched men.

The positive health trends indicated in the survey were also reflected in the overall expenditure on public dental services, which was NOK3.3 billion (€35 million) in 2015. With an increase of only 0.7 per cent compared with 2014, it is the smallest increase since 2005.

Overall, more than one million people were examined and treated through the public dental care service in 2015. Of these, about 34,000 were recipients of home care and therefore entitled to free treatment.

More information about the survey can be found at www.ssb.no.

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