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Nutrition status of children in Latin America

C Corvalán1, M L Garmendia1, J Jones-Smith2

  • 1Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.

Obesity Reviews : an Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity
|July 26, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is rising in Latin America due to poor diets and sedentary lifestyles. Addressing this epidemic requires more research on effective prevention interventions for children.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Childhood obesity prevalence is rapidly increasing across Latin America.
  • This trend poses significant challenges to healthcare systems and elevates disease risk in children.
  • Latin American children experience a dual burden of undernutrition and excess weight.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current nutrition and physical activity status in Latin America.
  • To identify factors contributing to the rise in childhood obesity in the region.
  • To explore disparities and challenges in ensuring adequate nutrition and physical activity for children.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of nutrition status.
  • Analysis of physical activity trends.
  • Examination of socioeconomic, urbanization, and food environment factors.

Main Results:

  • Childhood obesity is increasing due to diets high in energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods.
  • Sedentary lifestyles contribute significantly to the rise in excess weight.
  • Socioeconomic changes, urbanization, retail food environments, and public transportation influence obesity rates.

Conclusions:

  • Urgent need for additional research and enhanced research capacity in Latin America.
  • Focus on designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based obesity prevention interventions for children.
  • Addressing the complex interplay of factors is crucial for combating the childhood obesity epidemic.

Keywords:
Latin Americachildhood obesitychildrennutrition and physical activity situation

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