Childood obesity

Childhood obesity.

The obesity epidemic is spreading much faster than previous data suggested. New figures published in the International Journal of Paediatric Obesity show that in the European Union by the end of the decade 38 per cent of children will be overweight while in North and South America the number will be almost 50 per cent. This trend will be seen in other regions too: the Middle East across Asia, and the Pacific. Many developping countries are now struggling to fight a double burden of disease: those that still haven't overcome malnutrition may also have to treat people for illnesses caused by them being overweight: heart disease, diabetes, liver disorders and high cholesterol are just some of the problems that are becoming more common. And without significant changes in lifestyle and diet, the authors of the report say the situation will only get worse.