Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are by far the leading cause of death in the world and their impact is steadily growing. This largely invisible epidemic is more serious in low- and middle-income countries, where 80% of all NCDs occur. The main causes of NCDs are a small set of modifiable risk factors like unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and tobacco use. Elimination of these modifiable risk factors would prevent 80% of premature heart disease, 80% of premature stroke, 80% of type 2 diabetes and 40% of cancer.1 Children are not immune to this burden. Overweight children, and obesity and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents are increasing problems. Overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese in adulthood and more likely to develop diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age.2 Many low- and middle-income countries are now facing a "double burden" of infectious diseases and undernutrition. Children in those countries are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, energy-dense, and micronutrient-poor foods, which tend to be lower in cost but also lower in nutrient quality. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with lower levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity while undernutrition issues remain unsolved.3 In Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), the prevalence of overweight among children aged 0–5 years was higher in most low- and middle-income countries compared to high income countries. |
