Poor eating habits among a growing number of adolescents are increasing the risk of obesity, particularly among young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Thursday.
The study, based on data from 44 countries, shows that one in four adolescents consume sweets or chocolate daily, with a “worrying” correlation between the socio-economic status of the young people in question and their poor eating habits .
“Alarmingly, teenagers from less affluent families are more likely to be overweight or obese (27% compared to 18% of their more affluent peers). This disparity highlights the urgent need to address the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to these trends“, warned WHO Europe in a press release.
A teenager from a disadvantaged background is more likely to consume sugary drinks (18% versus 15%) and less likely to eat fruits (32% versus 46%) and vegetables (32% versus 54%) daily.
“Healthy foods are often less accessible and affordable for low-income families, leading to a greater reliance on sugary or processed foods, which can have detrimental effects on adolescent health.“, notes Dr Martin Weber, head of the child health studies program at WHO Europe.
This situation has other consequences in the lives of these young people until adulthood, underlines Hans Kluge, regional director of WHO Europe cited in the press release, describing it as a “vicious circle of disadvantages”.
“Children from less affluent families are more likely to have health problems, which can harm their educational attainment, job prospects and overall quality of life. This perpetuates social inequalities and limits opportunities for upward social mobility“, he clarified.
In addition to the standard recommendations of regular physical activity, the director calls for more public policies to address the root of the problem of social inequality.
This could be “school programs encouraging healthy eating and physical activity“, or even “local initiatives that provide access to affordable sports and recreational facilities“, says the WHO.
WHO Europe brings together 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia.
