The WHO has released a new report for Europe that shines a spotlight on a worrying issue: rising obesity rates among children aged 7 to 9 years as an indirect effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, entitled “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the daily routine and behaviors of school-age children: results from 17 member states of the WHO European Region”, highlights the behavioral changes that have led to this alarming situation.
The WHO points out that, during the pandemic, children spent more time in front of screens and less time doing physical activities. According to the WHO study, 36% of children increased their weekly time spent watching TV or playing on the Internet, and 28% decreased the time spent on outdoor activities. This reality is also reflected by the fact that, in the same interval, the percentage of overweight children in this age category has increased significantly.
The WHO draws attention to the fact that in addition to sedentary lifestyles, the pandemic has also influenced the eating habits of families. Although there has been an increase in the preparation of meals at home and shared meals, the WHO highlights a worrying trend of increasing consumption of unhealthy foods.
WHO: Powerful LAST-MINUTE Official ALARM Signal for the Whole World
“We cannot ignore these trends,” warns Dr. Kremlin Wickramasinghe, WHO/Europe regional advisor for nutrition, physical activity and obesity. “In our region, one child in three is overweight or obese, and fruit and vegetable consumption is alarmingly low.”
WHO collaborated with the WHO Collaborating Center for Nutrition and Childhood Obesity at the Dr Ricardo Jorge National Institute of Health in Lisbon, Portugal, to conduct this study in 17 of the region’s 53 member states during 2021-2023. More than 50,000 children participated in this comprehensive survey.
The report’s findings highlight the urgent need to take action to improve diet and physical activity among young people. “It is essential to create environments that promote healthy behaviors,” concludes Dr. Wickramasinghe. “This report should serve as a wake-up call to mobilize concerted action in the fight against childhood obesity.”
WHO continues to monitor and respond to these trends, but it is vital that all sectors of society commit to creating a healthier future for our children by addressing the root causes of obesity and ensuring access to adequate health resources.
This post was last modified on May 2, 2024, 12:51 PM 12:51
Sign up to receive notifications!
Unsubscribe from updates
