WHO/Europe Launches Initiative to Combat Childhood Obesity in Southern Europe

WHO/Europe held a meeting to address childhood obesity in southern European countries, including Croatia, Greece, and Italy. The Athens Office organized this meeting on June 18-19, in cooperation with health experts and the Greek Ministry of Health.

The statistics on obesity are alarming. Around 59% of adults in the WHO European Region are overweight or obese, and one in three children also faces these issues. Dr. Kremlin Wickramasinghe highlighted that childhood obesity rates are particularly high in southern Europe, with nearly half of boys in some areas affected.

Obesity can lead to serious health problems, ranking fourth as a risk factor for death. It contributes to over 1.2 million deaths annually in the Region. In Greece, the situation is serious, with the country facing high obesity rates among children. Dr. Eirini Agapidaki, Greece’s Minister of Health, announced a new program targeting childhood obesity. This initiative will start in 59 schools and aims to improve physical activity, nutrition, and reduce food waste.

The Athens meeting focused on creating effective policies to combat obesity. Key stakeholders discussed how to bring together measures like food reformulation, marketing restrictions on unhealthy products, and promoting physical activity. The Athens statement will outline the priority actions.

Dr. João Breda emphasized the need for collaborative action. By using WHO data and fostering teamwork, the Region can take meaningful steps to address obesity.

This initiative builds on previous successful dialogues in the Western Balkans and Central Asia, paving the way for more progress in combating obesity in southern Europe.