Childhood obesity control strategy under preparation

Childhood obesity is not confined to rich industrialized countries. In Egypt, for example, surveys of four-year-old children have shown that more than 25% of them are overweight or obese. In Nigeria and Kenya between 5% and 10% fall into these categories. Similar findings are reported from other continents. The strongly suspected causes are reduced physical activity and over-consumption of energy- dense convenience foods. Its effects include risk of type 2 diabetes and its consequences – particularly cardio-vascular disease. The WHO diabetes programme is building a strategy for diet and physical activity, which will be presented at the World Health Assembly in 2004. Further information from Rhys Williams (email: williamsrh@who.int).