Lifestyle-related risks: are trends in Europe converging?

Conclusions. The results support the notion of convergent lifestyles among Europeans over time. We also found that there is a serious lack of reliable data on lifestyle-related risk factors that are suitable for international comparison. It is essential to invest in reliable and internationally comparable data, obtained according to best evidence, to get more insight into real differences regarding risk factors in Europe. The European Public Health programme may be an opportunity to realize these goals.