Obesity affects not only adults but, more and more, children and teenagers too. This is shown by the Atlas of Childhood Obesity, prepared by the World Obesity Federation and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, which looked at the situation in many countries.
What the atlas looked at
The report looks at children in three age groups: infants, school-age children and teenagers. It also examined what each country had done to tackle obesity. The WHO had set the goal of halting the rise in obesity and diabetes, and asked countries to draw up action plans against non-communicable diseases.
The numbers keep rising
The atlas shows that not enough has been done so far to reach this goal. Without effective action, the number of children and teenagers with obesity around the world will keep rising sharply.
To assess each country, the atlas looked at things such as whether there are rules on food for children, whether there are projects to promote physical activity, and what is being done about unhealthy eating. The finding: in the atlas's assessment, the countries studied were not on track to meet the WHO goal.
What does this mean for the future?
The trend suggests that the number of people with obesity, both children and adults, will keep rising unless eating habits and behaviour change.
How can we protect children?
Two steps are especially important:
- building healthy eating habits at home and keeping eating out to a minimum,
- making enough room for exercise in the school timetable, for example through PE lessons.
Is a shared, global response needed?
Global steps are mainly a matter for governments. The direction is clear: fast food and sugary drinks should be limited as far as possible, and measures should be put in place and the public informed, working together with the WHO and UNICEF.
What can be done locally
- Towns and cities can offer social programmes, information events and weekend activities.
- More space for walking and sport can be created in neighbourhoods.
- People can be given regular information about healthy eating.
- Programmes can be developed with charities to reach and support people with obesity.
