Rising Childhood Obesity Rates Prompt WHO Concerns in Europe

Childhood obesity is a major problem in Europe, and it comes with life-threatening health risks, according to a new report from the World Health Organization. One in four young children are overweight, including one in ten who are classified as obese.

The report highlights that these rates are significantly higher in southern Europe, where nearly one in five children live with obesity. Childhood obesity is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke, among other chronic conditions in adulthood.

The WHO survey, conducted from 2022 to 2024, analyzed data from approximately 470 thousand children aged six to nine across 37 countries. It also included detailed information on family and health behaviors for more than 150 thousand children.

The findings reveal that boys are more likely to be obese than girls, with rates of 13 percent and 9 percent respectively. Although obesity rates have stabilized in some countries, global health officials express concern as childhood overweight and obesity remain alarmingly high.

Kremlin Wickramasinghe, a nutrition specialist at the WHO's Europe office, stated that this trend threatens the health of current and future generations. The report also found that a significant number of parents of overweight or obese children underestimate their children's weight.

Overall, 66 percent of overweight children had parents who believed they were either underweight or of normal weight. Dietary habits among children across Europe are generally poor. Only 32 percent of kids eat vegetables daily, while unhealthy food consumption is prevalent, with 41 percent of children consuming sweets, 29 percent drinking soda, and 16 percent having savory snacks more than three times per week.

Disparities based on socioeconomic status were evident, with children from more educated families tending to have healthier diets. Interestingly, nearly all parents reported that their children were active for at least one hour each day, and 89 percent of children were reported to get at least nine hours of sleep per night, both critical factors for health.

However, excessive screen time is a growing concern, with 42 percent of kids spending at least two hours on screens during weekdays and 78 percent doing so on weekends. Screen time was notably higher among boys and children whose parents had lower education levels.

In response to these alarming trends, the WHO recommends that countries implement measures to create healthier environments for children. This includes taxing sugary drinks and unhealthy foods, enhancing nutritional standards for school meals, and promoting policies that encourage physical activity.