Excessive body weight is one of the most serious health problems in our country, and not only among adults – this problem more and more often affects children, and even younger ones. Unfortunately, not all parents are aware that overweight and obesity are often a precursor to further ailments, and also significantly increase the risk of many chronic diseases.
- As much as 58 percent adult Poles have a problem with excessive body weight, according to the Polish National Health Test 2021
- The problem of overweight and obesity, however, does not only apply to adults – Polish children gain weight the fastest in Europe
- The sooner parents take appropriate action, the greater the chance of protecting their children from obesity
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
The 2021 National Health Test of Poles by MedTvoiLokony indicated that as much as 58 percent. adult Poles have a problem with excessive body weight. 45 percent men and 28 percent. women are overweight, and 26 percent. men and 19 percent. women are obese. At the same time, the problem of excess weight increases with age. Excess body weight is already 26 percent. 18-24-year-olds, 68 percent 45-54-year-olds and 78 percent people over 65 years of age. This is what it looks like among adults today. In a few years it may be even worse, because in Poland there are more and more children with excess body weight.
Statistics show how serious the problem of childhood obesity is. The World Health Organization reports that the number of overweight children in the world has increased several times in the last 20 years. WHO estimates say about 38 million children under five with excess body weight in 2019! In contrast, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged 5-19 has increased dramatically from just 4%. in 1975 to over 18 percent. in 2016
Looking at Poland, the problem is not smaller – Polish children gain weight the fastest in Europe, and the World Obesity Federation signals that by 2030 the problem of obesity will affect almost one million children in our country. When we count that the young generation (children aged 5-19) counts less than 7 million in Poland, the scale of the problem is enormous.
Unfortunately, excessive weight by many parents or grandparents is seen only in terms of an aesthetic nature. This is a huge mistake, because overweight and obesity lead to many serious diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, thus increasing the risk of premature death.
So prevention is important. The earlier we take care of our children’s health and develop proper habits in them, the greater the chance that they will live longer in better health. In the case of counteracting excess body weight, a healthy, balanced diet is of key importance, as well as regular physical activity, which should not be treated as a compulsion, but a pleasure and a good way to spend your free time.
The text was published in the magazine “Responsible Parenting” available online, which is a reliable source of knowledge for all parents and couples who want to become parents.
See also:
- Ewa Chodakowska: The situation is dramatic. Polish children gain weight the fastest in Europe
- Morning stretching. NFZ training for quarantine
- How to lose weight? Rules, diet and exercise [WE EXPLAIN]
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.