Godfrey Xuereb Team Leader, Population-based Prevention Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases World Health Organization International Cooperation to prevent childhood obesity

Obesity is one of the main risk factors for NCDs Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with at least 2.6 million people dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese. Once associated with high- income countries, obesity is now also prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. Governments, international partners, civil society, non governmental organizations and the private sector all have vital roles to play in contributing to obesity prevention.

…. and it affects all of us

…. and this region particularly so

……..and it is also affecting children !! Globally, over 42 million children under five years of age are overweight. Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Overweight children are likely to become obese adults. They are more likely than non- overweight children to develop diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age, which in turn are associated with a higher chance of premature death and disability.

*Metropolitan Region **Quito.... and in this region 2010 RESULTS - GLOBAL SCHOOL – BASED STUDENT HEALTH SURVEY

Indirect Influences * Parents and families - Income - Parents work habits * Advertising * Physical environment - Urban sprawl - Access to sport areas - Fast food outlets - Safety * Knowledge * School environment *Peer behaviors and preferences Energy intake Food consumption (energy dense – nutrient poor) Energy output Physical activity - Sports - Walking to school Sedentary activities - Screen time Child Weight Potential factors in the rise of child obesity

Action needs to be Multisectoral PreventionofChildhoodObesity Social & economic development Transport Urban Planning MarketingInfluences PhysicalActivityFoodprocessing Education Physical Environment Agriculture

… and needs International Cooperation Food Trade –Labeling (Codex Alimentarius) –Regulations –Reformulation –Trade Law (WTO) –Monopolies & Trans- national companies Marketing –Cross Border In-flowing marketing Out-flowing marketing Taxation Policies –Food –Sporting Goods International Sporting Events –Global reach of advertising –Role models –"Pressure" from Mega- events organizers

The Floor is Yours !