In recent years, childhood obesity rates in some European countries have remained stable, but global “health” officials stress that they are still at very alarming levels.
A new report warns of the dangers of childhood obesity in Europe, noting that it is a major problem with “life-threatening” health risks.
A World Health Organization survey across Europe showed that a quarter of young children are overweight, including a tenth who are obese.
These rates are much higher in southern Europe, where nearly a fifth of children are obese.
The danger of childhood obesity
Childhood obesity increases the likelihood of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and stroke, as well as other chronic diseases in adulthood.
The survey, conducted between 2022 and 2024, included data on approximately 470,000 children aged 6 to 9 years in 37 countries. Researchers collected additional information on the family and health behaviors of more than 150,000 children.
The study revealed that boys are more likely to be obese than girls, at 13% versus 9%.
Despite the stabilization of obesity rates in some countries in recent years, global health officials are not complacent.
In this context, “Kremlin Wickramasinghe,” a specialist in nutrition, physical activity and obesity at the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, stated: “Overweight and obesity rates in children remain alarmingly high, and continue to threaten the ‘health’ of current and future generations.”
The spread of unhealthy foods
In general, children’s diets were poor throughout Europe. For example, only 32% of children ate vegetables daily.
In contrast, the spread of unhealthy foods was widespread:
- 41% of children eat sweets.
- 29% drink soft drinks.
- 16% eat salty snacks more than 3 times a week.
Differences were also noted depending on socioeconomic status, with children being more likely to follow healthy diets if their parents were more educated.
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