WHO Calls for Stronger Policies on Healthier Diets and Increased Physical Activity

Strengthening Health Policies for a Healthier Future

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a call to action, urging nations to improve policies that promote healthier diets and increased physical activity. This initiative targets the alarming rise in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) linked to overweight and obesity.

Statistics Show a Rising Concern

Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, highlighted the seriousness of the situation: approximately 50 lakh children under five are overweight, while 373 lakh children aged 5 to 19 are affected. These concerning figures indicate a significant rise in conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

• Overweight and obesity trends are placing immense pressure on health systems.
• Urbanization and economic growth are accelerating unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles.
• This health crisis jeopardizes progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to reduce premature mortality from NCDs significantly.

Creating Supportive Environments

Wazed emphasized that simply providing knowledge isn’t enough; effective policies and environments are essential to encourage healthier choices. Fiscal policies should incentivize healthier diets, while robust regulations create healthy food environments.

Taking Action for Healthier Communities

Some progress has already been made; countries are introducing food labelling regulations and imposing taxes on sugary beverages. Yet advocacy for enhanced frameworks remains crucial for continuing these trends.

This WHO call echoes historical efforts from 2004 when the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity, and Health was launched. As the world faces rising rates of noncommunicable diseases, a renewed commitment to healthier choices is more critical than ever.