How do you prevent and treat overweight in children?

Reaching and maintaining appropriate body weight is important. The healthiest way to change weight is gradual. That's why recommendations that focus on small but permanent changes in eating and physical activity may work better than a series of short-term changes that can't be sustained. The importance of continuing these lifestyle changes well past the initial treatment period should be emphasized to the entire family.

Learn our tips for preventing childhood obesity for parents and caretakers of children.

  What can be done to fight the childhood obesity epidemic?

Overweight and obesity, as well as related noncommunicable diseases, are largely preventable. It is recognized that prevention is the most feasible option for curbing the childhood obesity epidemic since current treatment practices are largely aimed at bringing the problem under control rather than effecting a cure. The goal of fighting the childhood obesity epidemic is to achieve an energy balance that can be maintained throughout the individual's life-span.

      General recommendations according to WHO :

1. increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains, and nuts;
2. limit energy intake from total fats and shift fat consumption away from saturated fats to unsaturated fats;
3. limit the intake of sugars; and
4. be physically active - accumulate at least 60 minutes of regular, moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity each day that is developmentally appropriate.

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