WHO/Europe Initiates Action Against Childhood Obesity in Southern Europe
WHO/Europe recently brought together representatives from southern European countries to discuss how to reduce childhood obesity. This meeting took place in Athens, Greece, on June 18-19. The Athens Office, working with WHO/Europe’s Special Initiative on Noncommunicable Diseases and the Greek Ministry of Health, organized this dialogue.
Participants focused on effective policies to address obesity and overweight, which can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. In the WHO European Region, 59% of adults are overweight or obese, with 1 in 3 children affected. Dr. Kremlin Wickramasinghe highlighted that rates of childhood obesity are particularly high in southern Europe, with nearly half of boys in some areas having excess weight.
Obesity is a significant health risk, ranking fourth as a cause of death after high blood pressure, dietary risks, and tobacco. It contributes to over 1.2 million deaths annually in the region. Dr. Eirini Agapidaki, Greece’s Alternate Minister of Health, noted that Greece ranks high in childhood obesity rates among EU countries, motivating a national program targeting childhood obesity over the next two years. This program aims to improve physical activity, nutrition, and reduce food waste in 59 pilot schools, with plans for a wider rollout.
How can communities effectively collaborate to combat childhood obesity?
Interview with Dr. Kremlin Wickramasinghe on Combatting Childhood Obesity in Southern Europe
News Directory III: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Wickramasinghe. The recent WHO/Europe meeting in Athens focused on childhood obesity. What were the main objectives of this gathering?
Dr. Kremlin Wickramasinghe: Thank you for having me. The primary objective was to bring together representatives from southern European countries to discuss collaborative strategies to reduce childhood obesity rates. Given the alarming statistics, especially that nearly half of boys in specific areas are affected by excess weight, it is crucial we tackle this issue through effective policy changes and interventions.
News Directory III: Childhood obesity is indeed a pressing concern. You mentioned some serious health issues linked to obesity. Can you elaborate on this?
Dr. Wickramasinghe: Absolutely. Obesity is a significant health risk and is the fourth leading cause of death in the region. It contributes to over 1.2 million deaths annually due to its association with various noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer. Understanding these risks can help in formulating the right approach to tackle this growing epidemic.
News Directory III: Greece has been highlighted as having some of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the EU. What steps are being taken at the national level?
Dr. Wickramasinghe: Greece, under the leadership of Dr. Eirini Agapidaki, is initiating a national program over the next two years aimed specifically at childhood obesity. This plan includes enhancing physical activity, improving nutrition, and reducing food waste through initiatives in 59 pilot schools, with hopes for broader implementation later.
News Directory III: The upcoming Athens Statement seems to be an important aspect of this dialog. What key actions do you envision it will outline?
Dr. Wickramasinghe: The Athens Statement will focus on priority actions that can be taken collaboratively to combat obesity. We’re looking at evidence-based strategies, including reformulating food products, promoting physical activities in schools, and utilizing community resources to build a healthier environment for our children.
News Directory III: Collaboration appears to be a key theme in this initiative. How essential is it to involve various stakeholders in addressing obesity?
Dr. Wickramasinghe: Extremely essential. Combating obesity requires a multi-faceted approach involving governments, health professionals, educators, families, and the food industry. By working together, we can create comprehensive and supportive strategies that resonate at all levels of society. Our previous dialogues in the Western Balkans and Central Asia have shown the effectiveness of a collaborative approach, and we aim to build on that success here in southern Europe.
News Directory III: what message would you like to convey to our readers regarding childhood obesity?
Dr. Wickramasinghe: Childhood obesity is a critical health issue that demands urgent action. It’s not just a problem for parents or schools but a collective challenge for society as a whole. Raising awareness, promoting healthier lifestyles, and advocating for supportive policies are vital steps we must take to ensure our children have a healthier future.
Dr. João Breda stated that WHO/Europe is committed to addressing obesity, and Greece is playing a crucial role in leading this initiative. The dialogue in Athens will produce the Athens statement, detailing priority actions to combat obesity.
Mr. Georgiadis emphasized the importance of this meeting, stating that it addresses a critical health issue for the future of children. The approach must involve various actions, from changing food products to promoting physical activities. This initiative marks a vital step in tackling obesity through collaboration and evidence-supported strategies in southern Europe. Previous successful dialogues in the Western Balkans and Central Asia laid the groundwork for this event.