[Childhood obesity] is a good predictor of adult obesity, with health and economic consequences for both individuals and society as a whole.
In many countries, childhood obesity has reached staggering proportions and poses urgent and serious challenges.
In its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations in 2015, the control and prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) was identified as a core priority.
Among the risk factors for NCDs, obesity is particularly worrisome and is a major reason for offsetting many of the health benefits that contribute to longer lifespans.
In this regard, the WHO has formulated a comprehensive and comprehensive series of recommendations to deal with childhood obesity.
Governments are called upon to play a leadership role and all stakeholders should recognize their moral responsibility in reducing the risk of obesity on behalf of children. The recommendations include the following 6 areas.
1. Promote healthy dietary intake
Implement comprehensive measures to promote healthy food intake for children and adolescents and to reduce intake of unhealthy foods and sugary drinks.
2. Promote physical activity
Implement comprehensive measures to promote physical activity in children and adolescents and reduce sedentary and inactive behaviour. (81% of teens are less than the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day)
3. Pre-pregnancy and pregnancy care
Align with guidelines for the prevention of noncommunicable diseases and strengthen current guidance on preconception and antenatal care to reduce the risk of childhood obesity. (The care women receive before, during and after pregnancy can have a profound impact on the health and development of their children in the future.)
4. Early childhood diet and physical activity
Provide guidance and support for healthy eating, sleep, and physical activity in early childhood to ensure children grow normally and develop healthy habits. (Breastfeeding is at the heart of optimal growth, development and nutrition for infants.) ）
5. Health, nutrition and physical activity of preschool children
Implement comprehensive measures to promote healthy school environments, health and nutrition and physical activity for school-age children and adolescents.
6. Weight management
Provide weight management services for obese children and young people with a home-based, diverse lifestyle.
Childhood obesity impairs children's physical, social and mental health and is a known risk factor for obesity and noncommunicable diseases in adults.
There is an urgent need for action to improve the health of this and the next.