The obesity has accompanied changes in lifestyles. With the shift from rural areas to cities, children are getting less physical exercise and eating more sugary and fatty foods.
The report has struck a chord in South Africa, one of the fattest countries on the continent. Aaron Motsoaledi, the South African health minister, has said he wants to reduce the number of obese people by 10 percent over the next four years.
“15% of children in SA under 19 are obese” Prof Anita Pienaar – NWU #obesity @sabc3 #specialassignment
— Special Assignment (@SpecialAssign) January 17, 2016
Worldwide, 41 million children ages 5 and under are overweight or obese. This number is expected to rise to more than 70 million in the next decade, according to the report, prepared by the WHO’s Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity.
The greatest increase in the number of overweight and obese children is coming from low- and middle-income countries. Almost half of these children live in Asia, and a quarter live in Africa.
Final report by the Commission on Ending Childhood #Obesity https://t.co/EEaosn5jbG pic.twitter.com/iKyIeYQQ9Z
— WHO (@WHO) January 25, 2016
Paradoxically, malnutrition in early childhood puts kids at a particularly high risk of developing obesity later if diet and exercise patterns change.
“Many countries now face the burden of malnutrition in all its forms, with rising rates of childhood obesity as well as high rates of child under-nutrition and stunting,” the report says.
“The obesity epidemic has the potential to negate many of the health benefits that have contributed to the increased longevity observed in the world.”
Sania Nishtar, co-chair of the WHO commission, said obesity can have an impact on a child’s educational success, as well as serious health and economic consequences later in life.
“Overweight and obesity impact on a child’s quality of life, as they face a wide range of barriers, including physical, psychological and health consequences,” she said.
Final report of @WHO Commission on Ending Childhood #Obesity released https://t.co/2XjnrErVzo pic.twitter.com/jbYr7eQQs4
— UN Library (@UNLibrary) January 26, 2016
The report calls for governments to promote healthy foods and exercise, and reduce consumption of junk food — for example, through taxation or curbs on the marketing of sugary drinks.
“WHO needs to work with governments to implement a wide range of measures that address the environmental causes of obesity and overweight, and help give children the healthy start to life they deserve,” said Peter Gluckman, the commission’s other co-chair. 
By Erin Conway-Smith, GlobalPost
This article is syndicated from GlobalPost.