Diari de Tarragona published today, on World Childhood Obesity Day, an opinion article discussing this challenge and the role of food companies:
Childhood obesity has become one of the greatest public health challenges worldwide. Currently, more than 390 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 are overweight, and of these, around 160 million are obese. Catalonia is not immune to this reality. In recent decades, prevalence has increased alarmingly. According to the most recent data from the Child Health Study of Catalonia (ESIC), approximately one in four minors is overweight or obese.
This situation raises significant concern due to its short- and long-term consequences. Children with obesity are at higher risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, this condition is associated with emotional, social, and psychological problems that can affect well-being, self-esteem, and school performance from an early age.
How can we slow the advance of this epidemic?
The rise in childhood obesity results from a complex interaction of genetic, environmental, behavioral, and social factors. Among the most relevant is a sedentary lifestyle. Increased screen time, intensive use of electronic devices, and reduced physical activity have contributed significantly to this problem, especially following the pandemic.
Another key factor is unhealthy diets. High consumption of refined sugars, saturated fats, and ultra-processed foods is closely linked to the development of metabolic diseases at an early age. This is compounded by eating quickly and the loss of habits such as family meals.
Socioeconomic factors also play a role. Children living in lower-resource environments often have more limited access to fresh, healthy foods and greater exposure to processed products, which are cheaper but nutritionally poorer. Family habits and the social environment decisively influence children’s relationship with food.
Do we have the solution at home?
To a large extent, yes. One of the most effective strategies to prevent childhood obesity begins in the family environment. The home is where children acquire their first eating habits and build their lifestyle.
Promoting a balanced diet from childhood is essential. In this regard, the Mediterranean diet remains one of the models best supported by scientific evidence. It emphasizes high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains; preferential use of olive oil; and moderate consumption of fish, dairy, and lean meats, while limiting red meat, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed foods.
Beyond specific foods, it involves a healthy lifestyle: eating with the family, maintaining regular schedules, encouraging physical activity, and reducing sedentary behavior. It is recommended to reach at least 6,000 steps per day—ideally more than 10,000—and engage in a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise weekly, preferably outdoors.
The food industry
The food industry also plays a determining role. Reformulating products and improving the available offerings can significantly influence children’s nutrition. In this context, the sector must take responsibility for innovating and developing foods that contribute to a balanced diet.
One example is the FARO-i project (Food Formulation for the Regulation of Childhood Obesity), led by Fruselva together with Ingredalia, the University of Barcelona, and the University of the Balearic Islands, which seeks to create innovative and healthy products.
Various studies, such as those published in 2025 in The Lancet, underline the urgency of implementing prevention policies. Childhood obesity requires a coordinated response among governments, healthcare professionals, educators, families, and industry.
The Masergrup group is committed to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization itself warns that by 2030, more than 250 million school-age children and adolescents will suffer from obesity.
Proyecto CPP2022-009688 financiado por MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 y por la Unión Europea NextGenerationEU/ PRTR
