Share:
WHO complains 41 million small children are far too fat
Number of fat children has greatly increased
The number of fat, small children has increased significantly worldwide, especially in Africa and Asia. The World Health Organization (WHO) presented a new report Monday in Geneva stating that at least 41 million girls and boys under the age of five are overweight or obese. This corresponds to 6.1 percent of children in this age group. In 1990, it was at 31 million only 4.8 percent. As the news agency dpa reports, the WHO sees the blame for this increase mainly in the promotion of unhealthy food. Therefore, the individual states would have to intervene with laws and programs. In Germany experts demand something similar.
More and more children worldwide are overweight. Image: kwanchaichaiudom - fotolia Asian countries particularly affected
According to the WHO report, the number of overweight children under the age of five increased most in low and middle income countries. There were around 7.5 million children overweight in 1990, there were more than twice as many in 2014 with 15.5 million. Around one quarter of children who are too fat live in Africa and almost half in Asia (48 percent). One country that has been highlighted in obesity in recent years is India. On the one hand, there are more children living with malnutrition and hunger than in any other state in the world. On the other hand, there is a lot of extreme overweight in the population.
Children are not themselves to blame
WHO was warned at the presentation of the report that malnutrition in early childhood increases the risk of obesity in later years as diet and physical activity change. For many fat children, an environment that promotes overweight is a problem. Peter Gluckman, co-chair of a WHO commission on child obesity, loudly said "Spiegel Online": "The overweight is not the fault of the children." And continues: "You can not blame a two-year-old, because he is too fat and too lazy and still eating too much. "
States have to act
The WHO experts address the various states directly with numerous recommendations. "Greater political engagement is needed to address the global challenge of childhood obesity and overweight," said Gluckman. For example, standards for school lunches, a sugar tax or restricting advertising for unhealthy food could help. However, the tax burden on consumers is assessed very critically in many countries. While it was introduced years ago in some states, a majority of Germans reject the sugar tax. Even the union food-pleasure-restaurants (NGG) is against a fat and sugar tax, but the German Diabetes Society and other health experts would be in favor.
Being overweight leads to many health problems
Actually, there are many good reasons for such a tax. Unhealthy diet high in fat and sugar is a major cause of obesity. Obese people are at an increased risk for numerous health problems such as type 2 diabetes, gout, fatty liver or cardiovascular disease. Even obese children are already showing signs of heart disease, as studies found. However, as small babies are still completely normal with babies, parents sometimes do not notice it in time if their offspring are overweight. Those who are unsure about it should best address the issue regularly at the pediatrician's visit. If the physician detects obesity, there are some specialized facilities offering obesity therapy.
Parents should be role models for children
But even without appropriate facilities, it is important to think about a change in lifestyle in case of severe obesity. Quite essential is more exercise for children against obesity. But sport alone does not help against overweight. Also important is a balanced diet with little fat and little sugar. Instead of ready meals and fast food, the food should rather be prepared with fresh ingredients. Homemade food tastes best anyway. In addition, parents should lead their children by example. It is recommended to move the little ones to sports and to limit TV viewing time. Besides, the offspring should not drive everywhere but be encouraged to take public transport and the bike. (Ad)