Have your say on World Health Organisation childhood obesity report
Physical activity experts and other relevant stakeholders are being asked to submit their views on a World Health Organisation (WHO) investigation into ending childhood obesity.
Having been set up during the 2014 World Health Assembly by WHO director-general Margaret Chan, the Commission’s Interim Report on Ending Childhood Obesity opened for online consultation last week.
Intended to promote consultation rather than be a definitive paper, the report highlights that obesity is no longer just a Western issue, with rapid rises occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). An estimated 42m children worldwide were affected by overweight or obesity in 2013. In Africa, the estimated prevalence rate of child overweight and obesity of 8.5 per cent in 2010 (or 12m children) is projected to increase to 12.7 per cent by 2020.
“It has become clear that a multisectoral approach to preventing obesity is needed,” notes the report, authored by 15 leading health experts from a variety of relevant backgrounds.
“Addressing the challenge of childhood obesity through integrated actions across different sectors and levels of society, including government, the private sector and civil society, will prove more effective than any stand-alone measure…. Effective interventions are likely to have long-term financial and wider benefits.”
Policy options put forward for overcoming obesity include embedding physical activity into every stage of a child’s life, from pregnancy through to adulthood. Strategic objective 1b for the report is to “Reduce sedentary behaviour and promote healthy living through physical activity in children and adolescents.”
The report notes that low physical activity is fast becoming the social norm in most countries, and is “an important driver of the obesity epidemic.” It states that physical activity declines from the age of school entry, with less than 20 per cent of the global population meeting WHO physical activity guidelines by the age of 13-15 years.
Policy options for how to boost physical activity include sustained investment in education and social marketing programmes with the aim of outlining healthy lifestyle guidelines and replacing the current unhealthy lifestyle norm with more healthy physical activity.
There are also suggestions for:
• The creation of safe, gender-friendly, physical activity-friendly communities, which encourage the use of active transport (walking, cycling etc.).
• Improving access to natural spaces, places and facilities for active living and encourage participation in physical activities, with special consideration given to gender-constraints where these are applicable.
• Ensuring that physical activity is included in the school curriculum and providing adequate facilities to support this.
• Ensuring adequate facilities are available on school premises for physical activity during recreational time for all children, including the provision of gender-friendly spaces where these are appropriate.
The Interim Report of the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity is now open for comment from relevant stakeholders. In addition, the Commission will hold regional consultations and hearings throughout this consultative period. To submit your views, click here.
Cut sugar consumption to less than 10 per cent of daily energy intake: WHO
Three quarters of British men to be overweight or obese by 2030: study
Obesity to become ‘the new norm’ across Europe
WHO confirms 'Healthy City' status for Cork
ATP's tobacco deal angers health organisations
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
