Press release: New WHO analysis shows alarming rates of overweight children

According to a new report entitled “Marketing of foods high in salt fat and sugar to children” and published by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, being overweight is so common that it risks becoming a new norm in the WHO European Region.

Up to 27% of 13-year-olds and 33% of 11-year olds are overweight. “Our perception of what is normal has shifted; being overweight is now more common than unusual. We must not let another generation grow up with obesity as the new norm,” said the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Zsuzsanna Jakab. “Physical inactivity – coupled with a culture that promotes cheap, convenient foods high in fats, salt and sugars – is deadly.”