Results from 17 countries show that boys and girls aged 7 to 9 years spend more time looking at screens and less time playing outside, reflecting a rise in the proportion of overweight children at the same age. this age.
More than 50,000 children were surveyed from 2021-23, after worldwide shutdowns began in March 2020.
A picture full of nuance
“The picture this report paints is nuanced – in some countries There have been positive changes, such as more families eating togetherbut there are also some related findings, incl an increase in unhealthy eating habits and sedentary time,” speak Dr. Kremlin Wickramasinghe, WHO/European Regional Advisor on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity.
The report revealed that 36% of children increase the time they spend watching TV, playing online games or using social media during weekdaysand 34% increased time spent watching entertainment movies on weekends.
Other key highlights include 28% of children experiencing a reduction in time spent participating in outdoor activities on weekdays, 42% reported decreased happiness and healthand one in five said they felt sad more often.
On a more positive note, families reported an increasing tendency to consume home-cooked meals, eat together and cook meals with children.
Create a supportive environment
Dr. Wickramasinghe reports hopefully will push countries in the region to take urgent action to improve nutrition and physical activity by creating environments that support healthy behaviors.
“We cannot ignore these trends – in our Region, one in three children are overweight and obese, and fruit and vegetable consumption is low,” he said. low”.
Dr. Ana Rito, Director of the WHO Collaborating Center for Childhood Nutrition and Obesity and co-author of the report, emphasized its importance.
“Arming the Region and Member States with concrete evidence on the problematic outcomes of behavioral changes driven by the global pandemic will enable us to approach health crises in future effectively.” Greater strategy and empathy,” she speaks.
A brighter future
WHO says the pandemic highlights the urgency of tackling childhood obesity and countries need to build back on a better footing by prioritizing healthy eating and physical activity for all children me.
WHO recommends measures such as marketing restrictions and taxes on unhealthy products, clear nutrition labels on foods, and school-based programs to improve diets and promote physical activity.
This agency said New data “can be used to inform and improve current policies across the Region and shape much-needed plans for future emergencies and pandemics that could lead to disruptions in the educational process or school closures.”
