Since 1990, childhood overweight and obesity rates have surged worldwide, nearly doubling in prevalence. While the United States leads with the highest rates, other countries are rapidly catching up.
In Southern European nations like Greece, Italy, and Spain, 10 to 15% of children are obese. Eastern Europe, while slightly behind, is experiencing a sharp increase in childhood obesity, potentially matching Southern Europe soon. Globally, nearly half of all overweight children under age 5 live in Asia, while Africa accounts for one-quarter. In Latin America, approximately 20% of children under 20 are overweight. Many developing nations now face the dual problem of childhood obesity and malnutrition.
The health impacts of this epidemic are already becoming clear, with rising rates of childhood hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine have issued a warning in a commentary published in The Maternal and Child Health Journal, highlighting the urgency of the situation and offering potential solutions.
“Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. and is becoming a global pandemic,” said Dr. Charles H. Hennekens, the lead author of the commentary. “These conditions cause serious health issues like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and lipid disorders, which are early markers of metabolic syndrome. In adults, these issues can lead to heart attacks, strokes, liver disease, and other life-threatening conditions, some of which are now appearing at younger ages. By taking action through clinical and public health measures, we can work toward a healthier future for children globally.”
The commentary emphasizes that a high body mass index (BMI) is one of the primary drivers of this epidemic. In the U.S., children are considered overweight if their BMI exceeds the 85th percentile. Research shows that overweight preschoolers are far more likely to remain overweight during adolescence, dispelling the myth that children simply outgrow weight issues.
A major challenge, according to the researchers, is promoting daily physical activity in children, which is essential for boosting metabolism, lowering BMI, and reducing long-term risks of heart disease. However, this has become more difficult due to the decline of physical education in schools and the growing use of electronic devices, leading to sedentary lifestyles.
“Many children are not meeting the recommended physical activity levels,” said Dr. Panagiota “Yiota” Kitsantas, co-author and professor at FAU’s Department of Population Health and Social Medicine. “Sedentary behavior, combined with poor diet and lack of sleep, contributes to the rise in obesity. Encouraging fun, organized activities rather than competitive sports may help more children stay active.”
While increasing physical activity is vital, the researchers caution that it is not enough on its own to significantly reduce obesity rates. The rise in consumption of sugary and ultra-processed foods plays a substantial role in this public health crisis.
By addressing both physical activity and dietary habits, public health officials hope to curb the growing childhood obesity epidemic and improve health outcomes for future generations.
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