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Childhood obesity and inactivity in Vietnam

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2026-08-20 02:02 UTC → 2026-08-26 02:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Vietnam is addressing rising rates of childhood obesity and physical inactivity, particularly in urban centers. Data from the National Institute of Nutrition indicates that the overweight and obesity rate for children aged 5-19 increased from 8.5% in 2010 to 19% in 2020, with urban obesity rates reaching 26.8%. The World Health Organization reports that 91% of girls and 82% of boys in the country do not meet recommended physical activity levels. Experts attribute this sedentary lifestyle to rapid urbanization, academic pressure, and increased screen time. In response, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health issued guidelines recommending that children aged 1 to under 5 engage in at least 180 minutes of daily physical activity. The guidelines also suggest limiting screen time to a maximum of one hour per day for children under 5 and recommend 60 minutes of daily exercise for youths aged 5-17. Recent reports from Children’s Hospital 2 highlight the psychological toll of digital consumption, noting that screen abuse accounts for 70-80% of approximately 100 daily psychological consultations. Medical professionals warn that using mobile devices as ‘digital nannies’ has resulted in severe language impairment, loss of social connection, and behavioral issues including aggression and ADHD-like symptoms. Additionally, the use of short-form videos and social media is disrupting sleep patterns and academic focus among young adults, often leading to fatigue and decreased concentration.

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