The WHO Member States in the 66th World Health Assembly have agreed on a voluntary global NCD target to halt the rise in diabetes and obesity.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescents is defined according to the WHO growth reference for school-aged children and adolescents (overweight = one standard deviation body mass index for age and sex, and obese = two standard deviations body mass index for age and sex).
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.
Understanding Childhood Obesity is an American
Heart Association sourcebook on child nutrition and physical
activity.
AHA Recommendation - Overweight in Children - Obese children are more likely to be obese adults.
Successfully preventing or treating overweight in childhood may help reduce the
risk of heart disease, adult obesity, and other complications.
AHA Scientific Position - Physical Activity and Children - Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for
developing heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, overweight/obesity, and
diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends that children and
adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical
activity every day.
AHA Scientific Position - Dietary Recommendations for Healthy Children - The American Heart Association has specific
healthy dietary guideline recommendations for all adults and children over the
age of 2 years more.
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