While in some developing countries childhood obesity was most dominant in wealthier social groups, it is also rising among the urban poor possibly due to their exposure to Westernized diets co­inciding with a history of undernutrition. Children in lower-income families in developed countries are particularly vulnerable because of poor diet and limited opportunities for physical activity. The report found that in the USAoverweight rose twice as fast in Hispanic and African “American pre-teenage children compared to white children during the 1990s.

Calling on the WHO to help countries to develop National Obe­sity Action Plans with a high priority set for tackling the prevention of childhood obesity, the report says action is needed to:

provide clear and consistent consumer information, e.g. on food labels; encourage food companies to provide lower energy, more nutritious foods marketed for children; develop criteria for advertising that promotes healthier eating; improve maternal nutrition and encourage breast-feeding of infants; design secure play facilities and safe local neighbourhoods; encourage schools to enact coherent food, nutrition and physical activity policies; encourage medical and health professionals to partic­ipate in the development of public health programmes.

Co-chair Prof Louise Baur, who is based at University of Sydney Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, in Australia, commented: Almost daily we receive new reports of the impact of type 2 diabetesaffecting younger and younger children because of obesity. That alone should make it imperative that all nations take urgent action to address the key issues affecting the growth of obesity.

Prof Ricardo Uauy, from Chile, chair of public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, added: This report is the result of one of the most comprehensive collaborations between experts in the pediatric field, all seriously concerned about what is happening to children throughout the world.

We really cannot afford delay any longer. We need to address this challenge with an effective global strategy on diet, activity and health. We must act quickly. The world ™s children deserve no less.

The report is available upon request from

Childhood ReportIASO International ObesityTaskForce231 North Gower StreetLondonNW1 2NSTel +44 2076911907Fax +44 2073876033Email: childhoodiotf