A report released by the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity (ECHO) recommends an increase in the amount of physical activity undertaken by children to help combat what it calls “alarming levels of childhood obesity and overweight”.
The commission, tasked with identifying what the best approaches are to tackle the high levels of childhood obesity across the world, found that many children are growing up in unhealthy environments that actively encourage weight gain and obesity.
The marketing of unhealthy foods and a decline in physical activity, caused by more time spent on screen based and sedentary lifestyle activities, were identified as major factors in the increase in childhood obesity.
The report found that overweight prevalence among children aged under 5 years has risen between 1990 and 2014, from 4.8% to 6.1%, with numbers of affected children rising from 31 million to 41 million during that time.
To address this, the ECHO report has developed a series of recommendations for Governments across the world to implement. They include increasing levels of physical activity through implementing comprehensive programmes that promote physical activity in schools and in the home and ensure that adequate facilities are available for children to be active in public spaces and in schools.
Other recommendations in the report include:
• Promote the intake of healthy foods and beverages
• Implement and strengthen guidance on preconception and pregnancy care
• Provide guidance on promoting healthy habits in children
• Provide weight management services to children and young people who are obese
ECHO Chair Sir Peter Gluckman said “Increased political commitment is needed to tackle the global challenge of childhood overweight and obesity. WHO needs to work with governments to implement a wide range of measures that address the environmental causes of obesity and overweight, and help give children the healthy start to life they deserve."
Find the full report here.
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