Pandemic Worsened Childhood Obesity, Habits Across Europe, WHO Report Finds

A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals concerning trends in childhood health across Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, which surveyed over 50,000 children aged 7-9 in 17 countries from 2021-2023, found alarming increases in screen time, unhealthy eating, and declines in physical activity and wellbeing.

The report showed that 36% of children increased their weekday screen time watching TV, gaming, or using social media, while 34% had more recreational screen time on weekends. Meanwhile, 28% experienced a decrease in outdoor playtime on weekdays, and 42% reported declining happiness and wellbeing.

“We cannot afford to ignore these trends,” warned Dr. Kremlin Wickramasinghe, WHO/Europe’s regional advisor for nutrition, physical activity and obesity. “In our region, one in three children is living with overweight and obesity, and already fruit and vegetable consumption is low.”

To address these issues, the WHO is calling on countries to implement measures like marketing restrictions, taxes on unhealthy products, clear nutrition labels, and school-based programs to promote healthy eating and physical activity.

The agency said the new data “can be used to inform and improve current policies across the region and shape much-needed plans for future emergencies and pandemics that may lead to interruption of educational processes or school closures”.