OBESITY & MALNUTRITION – THE FOOD PARADOX FOR OUR CHILDREN

The phenomenon of childhood obesity is increasing in industrialized and emerging countries, with the major impact of the onset of diseases in adolescence and adulthood. How can this phenomenon be countered?

In developing countries, undernourishment and child malnutrition continue to coexist. At the same time, eating patterns in emerging countries result in obesity in part of the population while many others suffer from undernourishment and malnutrition.  It is therefore essential to focus – starting from early childhood – on the adoption of appropriate eating behaviors and positive lifestyles.

This paper reports on a thorough analysis of the issue and attempts to answer open questions: What measures and verifications should be implemented to incentivize such an approach? Are we aware that the strategies are needed for the medium to long term, which must involve civil society and institutions at various levels?