World Obesity Day 2025

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FISPGHAN Statement for World Obesity Day (March 4, 2025)

On World Obesity Day, FISPGHAN reaffirms its commitment to tackling childhood obesity as a critical public health challenge affecting millions worldwide. Obesity is not just an individual concern but a global crisis requiring urgent prevention strategies.

  • The Growing Burden of Childhood Obesity Over 37 million children under five are overweight and obese, and 160 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years are obese.

  • Childhood obesity significantly increases the risk of:

  1. Metabolic disorders (type 2 diabetes, metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease, dyslipidemia)

  2. Cardiovascular disease (hypertension, heart disease)

  3. Musculoskeletal and psychological disorders

  4. Higher mortality in adulthood

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Prevention of childhood obesity

Individual

• Breast feeding

• Balanced diet

• Avoid sugar beverages.

• Regular physical activity

Family

• Avoid food-restrictive behavior

• Limit screen time

• Encourage physical activity

Society

• Providing nutrition education

• Promote healthy environment (school meals, water access, physical activity-friendly conditions).

• Regulate food advertisements targeting children

Reference: Kolezko B, et al. Prevention of Childhood Obesity: A Position Paper of the Global Federation of International Societies of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (FISPGHAN); JPGN 2020;70:702-10.

A Global Strategy for Prevention and Action

FISPGHAN urges governments, healthcare professionals, parents, schools, and industry leaders to take urgent steps in:

✅ Strengthening childhood obesity prevention programs through early-life nutrition and education.

✅ Implementing school-based health initiatives that promote healthy eating and physical activity.

✅ Regulating the marketing of unhealthy foods to children and improving food labeling policies.

✅ Advocating for policies that create healthier food environments and reduce socioeconomic barriers to healthy living.

FISPGHAN’s Commitment

We are dedicated to collaborating with international organizations, supporting research, and empowering healthcare professionals to tackle pediatric obesity. Together, we can reverse this trend and ensure a healthier future for children around the globe through education, advocacy, and policy reform.

Let’s take action today for a healthier tomorrow!

#WorldObesityDay #PreventChildObesity #HealthyFuture

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