Childhood Obesity as a Global Problem: a Cross-sectional Survey on Global Awareness and National Program Implementation
Aman B. Pulungan1, Helena A. Puteri6, Amajida F. Ratnasari6, Hilary Hoey3, Agustini Utari10, Feyza Darendeliler3, Basim Al-Zoubi14, Dipesalema Joel17, Arunas Valiulis20, Jorge Cabana21, Enver Hasanoğlu24, Naveen Thacker25, Mychelle Farmer31Universitas Indonesia, Department of Child Health, Jakarta, Indonesia2International Pediatric Association (IPA), Illinois, USA
3Strategic Advisory Group on Non-Communicable Diseases Term 2021-2023, International Pediatric Association, Illinois, USA
4Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI), Jakarta, Indonesia
5NCD Child, Toronto, Canada
6Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Medicine, Jakarta, Indonesia
7Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
8University of Dublin Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
9European Paediatric Association/Union of National European Paediatric Societies (EPA/UNEPSA), Berlin, Germany
10Diponegoro University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Semarang, Indonesia
11İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, İstanbul, Turkey
12Turkish National Pediatrics Association, Ankara, Turkey
13Prince Hamzah Hospital, Amman, Jordan
14Jordan Pediatric Society, Amman, Jordan
15University of Botswana Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Health, Gaborone, Botswana
16Union of National African Paediatric Societies and Associations (UNAPSA), Côte d’Ivoire, Africa
17Botswana Paediatric Association, Botswana, Africa
18Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Children’s Diseases, Vilnius, Lithuania
19Lithuanian Paediatric Society, Vilnius, Lithuania
20European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP/UEMS-SP), Brussels, Belgium
21Argentine Society of Pediatrics, Buenos Aires, Argentina
22Latin American Association of Pediatrics (ALAPE), Montevideo, Uruguay
23Turkish National Pediatric Society, Ankara, Turkey
24Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Ankara, Turkey
25Director Deep Children Hospital and Research Centre, Gandhidham, India
INTRODUCTION: The rising global epidemic of childhood obesity is a major public health challenge. Despite the urgency, there is a lack of data on the awareness and implementation of preventative measures. The aim of this study was to identify areas for improvement in the prevention and management of childhood obesity worldwide.
METHODS: A cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to 132 members of national pediatric societies of the International Pediatric Association.
RESULTS: Twenty-eight (21.2%) participants, each from a different country across six World Health Organization (WHO) regions completed the survey. Most participants reported that national prevalence data of childhood obesity is available (78.6%), and the number increased during the Coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic (60.7%). In most countries (78.6%), the amount of sugar and salt in children’s products is provided but only 42.9% enacted regulations on children-targeted advertising. Childhood obesity prevention programs from the government (64.3%) and schools (53.6%) are available with existing support from private or non-profit organizations (71.4%). Participants were aware of WHO’s guidance concerning childhood obesity (78.6%), while fewer were aware of The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund’s (UNICEF) guidance (50%). Participants reported that WHO/UNICEF guidance acted as a reference to develop policies, regulations and national programs. However, progress was hindered by poor compliance. Lastly, participants provided suggestions on tackling obesity, with responses ranging from developing and reinforcing policies, involvement of schools, and prevention across all life stages.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There are different practices in implementing prevention measures to counter childhood obesity globally, particularly in statutory regulation on food advertising and national programs. While support and awareness was relatively high, implementation was hindered. This reflects the need for prompt, country-specific evaluation and interventions.
Corresponding Author: Aman B. Pulungan, Indonesia
Manuscript Language: English
