Greece recognized by WHO for effective childhood obesity strategy

The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended Greece for its leadership and measurable results in combating childhood and adolescent obesity. During the presentation of new WHO guidelines for the integrated management of obesity in youth, Dr. Bruce Aylward, WHO Director of Health Promotion, noted that Greece is one of the few countries effectively implementing practical, proven strategies rather than just adopting guidelines.

Greece's national strategy, implemented in collaboration with UNICEF, aims to reduce the rate of childhood overweight and obesity from 37.5% in 2019 to 24.5% by 2030. The approach combines prevention with personalized support through primary healthcare. This initiative comes as global data shows obesity rates among those aged 5-19 have risen, with over 170 million children and adolescents currently living with the condition.