WHO: One in three children is obese

The WHO European Regional Obesity Report 2022 was launched in Zagreb, Croatia by the wives of 16 European leaders and heads of state.

According to the report, which states that obesity is one of the main risk factors for many NCDs, overweight and obesity affect almost 60% of adults and almost one in three children, including 29% of children. and 27% of girls in the European WHO. Region. .

COST 800 BILLION DOLLARS

Based on current trends and examining obesity in the WHO European Region, which covers just 53 countries, the World Obesity Atlas 2023, published by the World Obesity Federation, found that 61 percent of children were living with obesity. and 75 percent of girls were living with obesity between 2020 and 2035. It is estimated that there will be an increase of .

It was indicated that in 2035, a total of 17 million boys and 11 million girls between the ages of 5 and 19 will live with obesity in the region, and it is estimated that the problems related to overweight and obesity in all age groups will cost to the WHO European Region $800 billion annually until 2035.

The report emphasized the importance of including obesity prevention and control measures for a better return after the Covid-19 outbreak.

THREE SPECIAL ACTION PLAN

It was indicated that the European region of the WHO has identified 3 specific action plans to help prevent this condition: prevention is better than cure, regulating the food and beverage industry and promoting physical activity.

Consequently, it was stressed that efforts to reduce childhood obesity should begin in pregnancy and early childhood, and that prevention efforts should focus on good nutrition at all stages of a child’s life.

It was also emphasized that prevention efforts are needed in homes, schools, and the community at large.

ZAGREB DECLARATION ACCEPTED

Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said: “Our children are growing up in environments that make it increasingly difficult for them to eat well and stay active. This is one of the main causes of the obesity epidemic. As societies and countries, we have so far failed to reverse the rising rates of childhood obesity, and that is why the WHO Europe, at the invitation of Professor (Sanja) Milanovi, wife of the President of Croatia, before this truly insidious population becomes even more difficult to deal with. He is in Croatia to mobilize political support for the health crisis.”

The Zagreb Declaration, which calls for the establishment of a new WHO European Center for the Prevention of Childhood Obesity, was adopted at the Spouses of European Leaders Summit, held in Zagreb on May 9-10, focusing on prevention of childhood obesity. (AA)