The number of overweight and obese children under five years old has hit 41 million worldwide, according to figures released by a World Health Organisation commission.
Overweight prevalence among children aged under 5 years has risen between 1990 and 2014, from 4.8% to 6.1%, with numbers of affected children rising from 31 million to 41 million during that time. The number of overweight children in lower middle-income countries has more than doubled over that period, from 7.5 million to 15.5 million.
In 2014, almost half (48%) of all overweight and obese children aged under 5 lived in Asia and one-quarter (25%) in Africa. The number of overweight children aged under 5 in Africa has nearly doubled since 1990 (5.4 million to 10.3 million).
The Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity (ECHO) presented its final report to the WHO Director-General this week, culminating a two-year process to address the growing levels of childhood obesity and overweight globally.
Peter Gluckman, commission co-chair, said: “Increased political commitment is needed to tackle the global challenge of childhood overweight and obesity. WHO needs to work with governments to implement a wide range of measures that address the environmental causes of obesity and overweight, and help give children the healthy start to life they deserve."
Amongst its recommendations to tackle the childhood obesity crisis is an ‘effective tax on sugar-sweetened beverages’.
The report states: “The Commission believes there is sufficient rationale to warrant the introduction of an effective tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Available evidence indicates that taxes on products such as sugar-sweetened beverages are the most feasible to implement with data indicating an impact on consumption.
“Some countries may consider taxes on other unhealthy foods, such as those high in fats and sugar. Taxing energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods would require the development of nutrient profiles and modelling suggests this may reduce consumption.”
The backing is the latest in a growing number of organisations, politicians, committees, restaurants and high profile campaigners to back the levy.
Other recommendations included reducing portion sizes, introducing clearer food labelling and a crackdown on the marketing of junk food to children.
To read the full report from the WHO commission, click here.