In many countries, the number of overweight children is increasing. What are the reasons for this, and what can be done to solve the problem?

The first major cause is that children move far less than previous generations did. Much of their free time is now spent in front of screens, playing video games or watching videos, rather than playing outside. In many cities, parents also feel that the streets are unsafe, so children are driven to school instead of walking or cycling. The second cause is diet. Processed food and sugary drinks are cheap, heavily advertised and available everywhere, while busy parents often have little time to cook fresh meals. As a result, many children take in far more calories than they use.

Several measures could reverse this trend. Schools could provide healthy meals and make sure that every child is active each day, whether through sport, dance or simply active breaks between lessons. Governments could tax sugary drinks, as a number of countries have done, and restrict the advertising of junk food during children’s programmes. Finally, parents can help by setting limits on screen time and by making exercise a family habit, for example by walking or cycling together at weekends.

In conclusion, childhood obesity is mainly caused by inactive lifestyles and cheap, unhealthy food. Healthy school meals, daily exercise, government action on sugary drinks and advertising, and support from parents would together help children grow up healthier.