GENEVA, 08 Nov. - (ANA) - Only five per cent of children aged seven to nine across Europe eat enough fruit and vegetables, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

 

That is according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) study, showing the obesity and overweight numbers remain stubbornly high.

 

This is contributing to rising rates of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other life-threatening noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

 

According to the WHO, across participating countries, one in four children aged seven to nine were overweight – which includes cases of obesity.

 

The study found that boys were more likely to be obese than girls.

 

 

 

 

Unhealthy food remains widespread, yet, for the first time, WHO reported an increasingly important dietary factor: ordering online.

 

Across 18 countries surveyed, up to 39 per cent reported ordering online at least once a month, suggesting a trend towards greater reliance on prepared or delivered meals.

 

According to the WHO, maintaining healthier diets – such as eating more fresh fruits, consuming fewer sweets and soft drinks – and engaging in regular physical activity, is closely linked to socioeconomic background.

 

The report noted that healthier eating habits are more common among children whose parents have higher levels of education, while children from families with lower parental educational attainment are more likely to walk or cycle.

 

“Healthier food environments, better labelling and taxation on sugary products can help make nutritious choices the easy choices and tackle the obesity epidemic”, underscored the UN health agency.  - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/08 November 2025 - - -