Adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds face greater risk of obesity, according to WHO Europe
Un adolescent sur quatre consomme quotidiennement des sucreries ou du chocolat, avec une corrélation “inquiétante” entre le statut socio-économique des jeunes en question et leurs mauvaises habitudes alimentaires. Phynart Studio/Getty Images
Poor eating habits among a growing number of adolescents increase the risk of obesity, particularly among young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Thursday.
The study, based on data from 44 countries, shows that one in four adolescents consume sweets or chocolate daily, with a "worrying& ;quot; between the socio-economic status of the young people in question and their poor eating habits.
"Alarmingly, adolescents from less affluent families are more likely to be overweight or obese (27% compared to 18% of their more affluent peers). This disparity highlights the urgent need to address the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to these trends, WHO Europe warned in a press release.
"Vicious cycle of disadvantage"
A teenager from a disadvantaged background is more likely to consume sugary drinks (18% versus 15%) and less likely to eat fruits (32% versus 46%) and vegetables (32% versus 54%) daily.
"Healthy foods are often less accessible and affordable for low-income families, leading to greater reliance on food sweetened or processed foods, which can have harmful effects on adolescent health“, notes Dr Martin Weber, head of the child health studies program at WHO Europe.
This situation has other consequences in the lives of these young people until adulthood, underlines Hans Kluge, regional director of the ;WHO Europe quoted in the press release, calling it a "vicious circle of disadvantage".
School programs or local initiatives
"Children from less well-off families are more likely to have health problems, which can affect their level of achievement their education, their employment prospects and their general quality of life. This perpetuates social inequalities and limits opportunities for upward social mobility", he said.
In addition to the classic recommendations of regular physical activity, the director calls for more public policies to tackle the root of the problem of social inequalities.
This could be "school programs encouraging healthy eating and physical activity", or more "local initiatives that provide access to affordable sports and recreational facilities", says the WHO.
WHO Europe brings together 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia.
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