A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) published this Wednesday estimates that one third of European children of primary school age live with obesity or are overweight. Based on current trends, 28 million children in Europe will be obese in 2035.
The number of obese male children is expected to increase 61% between 2020 and 2035, according to the Atlas of Obesity 2023. The scenario is even more alarming for females, with a projected increase in 75%dictates the report of the WHO.
This worrying picture means that, in 2035, 28 million European children between the ages of five and 19 will live with obesity.
“Our children are increasingly growing up in environments that make it very difficult for them to eat well and be active. This is a root cause of the obesity epidemic,” said WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Henri P. Klugewhich confirms that the situation is urgent and must be addressed before it is too late.
“As societies and countries, we have so far failed to reverse rising rates of childhood obesity and that is why WHO/Europe is here in Croatia, at the invitation of Professor Milanović, wife of the President, to galvanize political support for this insidious crisis. of public health before it becomes even more difficult to address,” said the director.
Obesity-related problems in all age groups will cost 800 billion euros annually to the WHO European region.
At this Wednesday’s meeting, where the first Network of Wives of European Leaders in the Prevention of Childhood Obesity in the WHO European Region was officially created, it was decided that a new disease prevention center will be coordinated by the UN agency.
Obesity – gateway to more diseases
The organization recalls that obesity increases the risk of many other diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes or chronic respiratory diseases.
13 types of cancer are caused by obesity, which is responsible for at least 200,000 cases of cancer annually in Europe, a trend that will only get worse.
cause of 13% of the world’s total mortality and more than 1 million deaths annually, obesity is among the leading causes of death and disability in the WHO European Region.
How can we stop the “silent epidemic”?
According to announcement of the WHO, were identified three specific actions — which must be practiced not only by people, but by regulatory bodies and governments — to combat current projections and prevent obesity.
- A prevention childhood obesity, which has to start as early as possible, from pregnancy to early childhood. To prevent obesity we must focus on nutrition at all stages of the child’s life, recalls the organization, which underlines that this attitude must be present in homes, schools and the general community.
Breastfeeding helps prevent childhood obesity and malnutrition ?
Babies need exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, continuing up to two years with complementary feeding.
Let’s support breastfeeding and take action against marketing of breastmilk substitutes! pic.twitter.com/S5XudbaWJd
— WHO/Europe (@WHO_Europe) May 10, 2023
- A regulation of the food and beverage industrieswhich involves taxing sugary drinks, demanding that the front of their labels be clear and restricting the advertising of these foods, which are unhealthy for children.
?️? Nutrition labels on foods are often hard to interpret.
Front of pack nutrition labeling provides clear and easy to understand nutrition information. They are essential to help guide us to make healthier choices ? pic.twitter.com/A5J3IQOpKD
— WHO/Europe (@WHO_Europe) May 10, 2023
- Promote physical activity it is also fundamental and can be done through policies to improve transport and urban structure, its greater inclusion in schools and through messages that support active lifestyles.
?Physical activity is an important factor for combating childhood obesity.
WHO recommends at least ⏱️6️⃣0️⃣ minutes per day of any moderate to vigorous activity.
Let’s support building more parks and sports facilities as well as PE programs at schools! ? pic.twitter.com/ezuW1BoND0
— WHO/Europe (@WHO_Europe) May 10, 2023
Kluge warns that since obesity is influenced by many factors, “no single intervention can halt its rise.”
“Any national policies aimed at tackling the problems of overweight and obesity must have a high level of political commitment behind them”, he recalls.
ZAP // 
