For the first time, a large -scale study of the prevalence of excess body weight and obesity among young children. The research was carried out as part of the European initiative of WHO (Cosi) and its results are of serious concern.
According to the study, almost a quarter of children aged 6-8 years (22.96%) are overweight. Of these, 9.13% suffer from obesity, and 2.63% - from severe obesity. Boys show a higher tendency to overweight: they have this figure 25.24%, while girls have 20.72%.
The main risk factors were:
- Unhealthy nutrition . Only half of the children consume enough fruits and vegetables. Only 55.3% of children eat fresh fruits daily, and the vegetables are even less, 41.4%. Instead, every fifth child (20.3%) consumes sweet drinks daily, and 17.8% eat sweet snacks such as cookies and cakes.
- A sedentary lifestyle . A third of children do not engage in physical activity or spend less than an hour a week.
- Technological dependence . On weekdays, 54.4% of children are spent more than two hours a day, and on the weekend, this figure increases to 83.4%.
The research was conducted among students of grades 1-2 in 20 regions of Ukraine from November 2023 to February 2024. 3557 children, 3601 parents and 187 schools were covered. Territories that are occupied or in the area of active fighting were not included in the study.
The results of the study indicate the urgent need to implement measures to prevent baby obesity. It is important to enhance educational work among parents and children, to promote the development of proper nutrition and to increase the level of physical activity.
The Ministry of Health of Ukraine should prioritize children's obesity through information campaigns, reform school nutrition and promote an active lifestyle. Responsible parents, educators and the state can jointly stop this alarming trend by providing a healthy future for children.
