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WHO Calls Greece a Model for Tackling Child Obesity
27 May
Summary
- Over 1,900 obese children received support, with 80% losing weight.
- Parental awareness of healthy eating and activity recommendations increased significantly.
- Greece is now recognized as a model country by the WHO for its initiatives.
Greece has presented remarkable results from its national action against childhood obesity, an initiative by the Ministry of Health in partnership with UNICEF, funded by the European Union. The program's success in altering Greek families' approaches to diet and exercise has led the World Health Organization to designate Greece as a "model country."
Key interventions included personalized nutritional counseling for over 1,900 children, where eight in 10 achieved a normal body mass index. "Food for Action" in schools trained thousands of teachers and parents, with 31 schools serving as "Health Hubs."
Furthermore, over 135,000 children participated in free sports activities, boosting their engagement in organized sports. Parental awareness of healthy eating and physical activity recommendations saw substantial increases, indicating widespread impact across the nation.
Experts project a steady decline in childhood obesity rates in Greece through 2040 if these monitoring and management structures continue. The initiative has successfully transitioned Greece from denial to robust action in addressing the health of its younger generation.
