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Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health |
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Childhood overweight and obesity
Childhood overweight and obesity on the rise
Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The problem is global and is steadily affecting many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. The prevalence has increased at an alarming rate. In 2007, an estimated 22 million children under the age of 5 years were overweight throughout the world. More than 75% of overweight and obese children live in low- and middle-income countries.
Pieter Desloovere
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Overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and more likely to develop noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. Overweight and obesity, as well as their related diseases, are largely preventable. Prevention of childhood obesity therefore needs high priority.
What is overweight and obesity?
Why does it matter?
What are the causes?
What can be done?
WHO's actions
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global strategy on diet, physical activity and health
The fundamental causes behind the rising levels of childhood obesity are a shift in diet towards increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat and sugars but low in vitamins, minerals and other healthy micronutrients, and a trend towards decreased levels of physical activity.
WHO developed the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health (DPAS) at the request of WHO Member States, which was endorsed by the 57th World Health Assembly, in May 2004. DPAS is a prevention-based strategy that aims to significantly reduce the prevalence of NCDs and their common risk factors, primarily unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.
related links
Diet and physical activity: a public health priority
Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion
Nutrition
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NEW IN DPAS
Interventions on Diet and Physical Activity: What Works
Implementation of the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health
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A Framework to Monitor and Evaluate the Implementation
Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health
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DPAS IMPLEMENTATION TOOLBOX
The implementation toolbox provides resources to assist in the management and implementation of DPAS.
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DEVELOPMENT OF RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE MARKETING OF FOODS AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO CHILDREN
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FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROMOTION AROUND THE WORLD
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Press information
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Frequently asked questions on DPAS
CONTACT INFORMATION
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For queries about the WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health
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