Unhealthy diets. Factors and consequences

 

Globally 2.5 billion adults and 37 million children under the age of 5 are overweight. This figure has been rising year on year, and it is predicted that this trend will continue. Once considered a problem of high-income countries, overweight has been increasing in low- and middle-income countries. According to WHO (World Health Organisation) the number of overweight children under 5 years in Africa increased by 23% since 2000 and almost half of all children being overweight or living with obesity in 2022 lived in Asia.  

Access to healthy, nutritious food is becoming more problematic. This is due to a huge amount of ultra-processed food of poor nutritional value available, and often more affordable than vegetable-based diet. This combined with the lack of adequate exercise leads to a pandemic of obesity, especially among children, with serious health consequences.

A case of Poland.

A recent report by the National Health Fund of Poland found, that approximately 68% of Polish adult men and 53% of women are overweight with 25% of the entire population being obese. Another report issued by the country’s ministry of health estimated that up to 30% of all school-age children in Poland is overweight. This figure is well above the EU average of around 19%. Access to a wrong diet with highly processed food and sugar reach drinks is an obvious reason of obesity amongst children. Another important component is change in lifestyle and a shift from time spent outdoors to screen-based activities, especially post Covid pandemic. Currently, only 1 in 4 Polish children meets the WHO recommendation and exercise for at least an hour a day.  

There is a need for a wider public information campaign focusing on a diet and importance of active lifestyle among the children, involving healthcare professionals and schools. But above all, the change in parents’ perception towards their children’s weight must be addressed. One study conducted last year showed that more than 80% of Poles did not perceived obesity as an illness. Instead, they saw it mainly as an aesthetic concern.

Finding the right balance will be difficult, as many children struggle mentally with the consequences of obesity and body positive campaigns are helpful in addressing those concerns. On the other hand, the health aspect and the children’s healthy future should become a priority for all involved.