The double burden of malnutrition: priority actions on ending childhood obesity

Overview

Despite the rising prevalence of  overweight and obesity in children,  responses in addressing the problem range are inadequate in many countries in WHO South -East Asia Region where undernutrition is common. In these settings,  prevention of childhood obesity is not a priority despite the clear links between undernutrition and overweight and obesity and an ever increasing burden  of noncommunicable disease. This publication provides regional and country data on the double burden of malnutrition, and particularly on childhood overweight and obesity, highlights the need for an integrated approach to address overweight and obesity through integration into existing programmes while supporting the improvement of food environments.