What to Know When Reporting on Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity has emerged as a pervasive global health challenge, with staggering statistics highlighting its alarming rise. Journalists play a pivotal role in disseminating accurate information about this epidemic, offering insights into its causes, consequences, and potential solutions.
Since 1975, worldwide obesity has nearly tripled, affecting over 1.9 billion adults and 39 million children under 5 years in 2020. In 2016, 39% of adults were overweight, and 13% were obese. Shockingly, more people die from overweight and obesity-related issues than underweight, especially in countries with large populations. Over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight or obese in 2016, marking a significant increase from 4% in 1975 to over 18% in 2016.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a crucial measure, indicating abnormal or excessive fat accumulation. For adults, overweight is a BMI greater than or equal to 25, and obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30. In children under 5, overweight is weight-for-height greater than 2 standard deviations, and obesity is weight-for-height greater than 3 standard deviations above WHO Child Growth Standards. For children aged 5–19, overweight is BMI-for-age greater than 1 standard deviation, and obesity is greater than 2 standard deviations above the WHO Growth Reference median.
Raised BMI is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and certain cancers. Obese children face immediate health issues, including breathing difficulties, increased fracture risk, hypertension, and psychological effects.
In 2016, over 1.9 billion adults aged 18 years and older were overweight, with 650 million being obese. 39% of adults were overweight, and 13% were obese. The prevalence of childhood obesity has tripled since 1975, with over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 affected in 2016. Childhood obesity is on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, creating a "double burden" alongside undernutrition.
The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. Globally, there has been an increased intake of energy-dense foods high in fat and sugars, coupled with an increase in physical inactivity due to sedentary lifestyles. Changes in dietary and physical activity patterns are often the result of environmental and societal changes associated with development and lack of supportive policies in sectors such as health, agriculture, and education.
Educational campaigns play a vital role in promoting awareness about balanced diets and the risks of processed foods. They also encourage physical activity through school programs and community initiatives. Policy measures are essential, including the regulation of food advertising targeting children and the implementation of school nutrition policies ensuring access to nutritious food. Community involvement is critical, engaging parents and caregivers and collaborating with local organizations to create opportunities for physical activities.
The WHO notes that “Individual responsibility can only have its full effect where people have access to a healthy lifestyle.” This involves limiting energy intake from fats and sugars, increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts, and engaging in regular physical activity. Societal support is crucial, requiring the implementation of evidence-based policies that make healthy choices accessible and affordable. Advocacy for population-based interventions, such as taxing sugar-sweetened beverages, is essential. The food industry can contribute significantly by reducing the fat, sugar, and salt content in processed foods, ensuring the availability and affordability of healthy choices, and restricting marketing of unhealthy foods, particularly targeting children.
