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Childhood obesity has become an alarming public health crisis in Europe, affecting one in four children aged 7 to 9 years. A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that, despite signs of stability in the obesity epidemic, the figures remain concerning. This study analyzed data from approximately 470,000 minors in 37 countries and warns of potentially severe health consequences, including diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases in the future.
A key finding of the report is the “perception gap” between the reality of childhood obesity and how parents perceive their children’s weight. More than half of parents with obese children underestimated their situation, and two out of three believed their kids had a normal or below-healthy weight. This disconnect can hinder early prevention and treatment of obesity, a fact experts consider critical.
Socioeconomic inequalities also play a significant role in children’s nutrition. Only 5% of them meet the recommendation to consume five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Families with higher educational levels tend to adopt healthy habits more frequently, while the consumption of sugary and salty snacks is more common in less-educated households.
Additionally, the report reveals that 39% of families surveyed in 18 countries order takeout at least once a month, reflecting a growing reliance on prepared and unhealthy foods. While overweight rates seem to be stabilizing, increases are still more common than decreases, especially in southern Europe, where nearly one in five children faces obesity issues.
The study also mentions the coexistence of malnutrition and overweight, creating a “double burden of malnutrition” that highlights persistent inequalities both within and between countries. Despite more than 50% of children actively commuting to school, high levels of sedentary behavior are recorded, with 42% spending over two hours a day in front of screens during the week, a figure that rises to 78% on weekends.
Dr. Kremlin Wickramasinghe, the WHO’s Regional Advisor for Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity in Europe, has called for urgent political action. He has suggested that governments implement a comprehensive policy package that includes taxes on sugary beverages and unhealthy foods, restrictions on advertising aimed at children, clearer nutritional labeling, and the promotion of physical activity. The current situation demands a coordinated response to reverse this troubling trend and safeguard the health of future generations.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
