A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published a study regarding the prevalence of obesity in children around the globe (related post). One of the more remarkable results indicates that the highest rates in child obesity is ironically in the countries where one of the healthiest diets in the world is born: the Mediterranean.
The reason for this is mainly due to what is observed worldwide; the increasingly sedentary lifestyle, and the high amount of processed, high fat/sugar foods in the daily menus of the children. Our lifestyle has changed dramatically in recent years, and our children have suffered the consequences.
Fortunately, the intervention programs implemented in recent years seem to working. In this sense, a 2-7% decrease has been reported in Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal. But rather than celebrate, we must work harder in lowering this prevalence, as it is still of the highest in the world. Although it can be a daunting task, we must make a special effort at home with our children, to increase their daily physical activity, and add more fruits, vegetables and healthier alternatives in their diet. We must do this, for the sake of their future health.
Jonathan Jones
Product Development Manager / Digital Health Scientific Adviser
Reference: you can find the report here
