Summary of the COSI round 6 Report: Childhood Obesity in Europe
this report summarizes the findings of the COSI (Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative) Round 6 study, focusing on childhood overweight and obesity trends across 18 European countries. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:
1. Prevalence & Trends:
* Stabilization, but still high: While prevalence is stabilizing in some countries, childhood overweight and obesity remain alarmingly high.
* Double Burden of Malnutrition: The report highlights a concerning trend of “thinness” coexisting with obesity, indicating malnutrition in various forms within and between countries.
* Parental Underestimation: A significant lack of awareness exists, with approximately two-thirds of parents of overweight children misclassifying their child’s weight as normal or underweight.
2. Dietary Habits:
* Low Fruit & Vegetable Intake: Very few children meet WHO recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption (only 46% eat fruit daily, 32% eat vegetables daily, and <5% eat 5 portions daily).
* High Consumption of Unhealthy Foods: A substantial portion of children regularly consume sweets (41%), sugary drinks (29%), and savory snacks (16%).
* Socioeconomic Disparities: Children of parents with higher education levels tend to have healthier diets, while consumption of sugary/salty snacks is more common in families with lower parental education.
* Rise of Online Grocery Ordering: Online grocery ordering is increasing, with 39% of families ordering at least monthly, suggesting a trend towards prepared/delivered meals.
3. Physical Activity, Screen Time & Sleep:
* Active Transport: 53% of children actively travel to school (walking, biking), but this is linked to socioeconomic status – children from less educated families are more likely to do so.
* Active Play & Sleep: Most parents report their children engage in at least an hour of active play daily, and 89% sleep at least 9 hours, but fewer reach the recommended 10 hours.
* Sedentary Behavior: Sedentary behavior hasn’t fully recovered since the pandemic. 42% spend at least 2 hours daily on screens on weekdays, and 78% on weekends. Boys and children from less educated families spend more time on screens.
4. Recommendations & Call to Action:
* Urgent Action Needed: The WHO emphasizes the need for continued and strengthened efforts to prevent childhood obesity.
* WHO Recommendations: The report outlines key measures, including:
* Tax policies on sugary drinks and unhealthy foods.
* Restrictions on marketing of unhealthy foods to children.
* Clear food labeling and improved school meal standards.
* Promotion of physical activity and active transport.
In essence, the COSI Round 6 report paints a picture of a persistent and complex problem. While some progress is being made, childhood obesity remains a significant public health threat in Europe, requiring comprehensive and targeted interventions.
