The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday called on countries to strengthen policies to promote healthy diets and physical activity to combat the rising levels of overweight, obesity, and noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and cancers — a leading cause of death.âThe burden of overweight, obesity, and associated metabolic disorders has been steadily rising, affecting both children and adults,â said Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia.
She noted that these have spiked cases of ânon-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancerâ and these are now âresponsible for nearly two-thirds of all deaths in the Regionâ.
Besides adults, about 50 lakh children under the age of five are overweight, and 373 lakh children between the ages of 5 to 19 are affected in the Region.
The Region is also experiencing a rapid demographic transition with rapid urbanisation, and economic growth further driving unhealthy diets, reduced physical activity, and more sedentary lifestyles. Nearly 74 per cent of adolescents and 50 per cent of adults are not physically active enough.
Obesity and NCDs are major challenges to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It seeks to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030 through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
âHealthy diets and regular physical activity are fundamental to achieving this target,â said the Regional Director.
However, more than knowledge and behaviour change, âenvironments that support and encourage healthier choicesâ are needed, she noted.