8/ ๐ On #WorldObesityDay, letโs focus on real solutions that make healthy choices easier for young people. Investing in adolescent health means building a healthier, fairer future.
๐ Read the full @HBSCstudy + @WHO_Europe report: https://t.co/BN4MexNqEX
1/ ๐งต Today is #WorldObesityDay. More than 1 in 5 adolescents (22%) in Europe, Central Asia + Canada are overweight or obese. What does the latest @HBSCstudy data reveal about young peopleโs weight status, physical activity + nutrition? Letโs take a look. โฌ๏ธ
7/ ๐ข What can be done? ๐ซ Schools should provide affordable, nutritious meals + more opportunities to move. ๐๏ธ Communities need safe, accessible spaces for young people to be active. โ๏ธ Governments must restrict marketing of unhealthy foods + improve access to healthier options.
๐จ The data is clear: Europe & Central Asia are failing their children.
๐ท Hard-earned progress in reducing child mortality is reversing or stagnating.
๐ท Mental health concerns have doubled since COVID-19 - 1 in 4 children is affected.
๐ท Immunization rates are stagnant, measles outbreaks are back.
๐ท 5M children are at risk of developmental difficulties.
๐ท 1 in 3 primary school children is living with overweight or obesity.
This is not just a health crisis โ itโs a crisis for the future of our societies. As Regional Directors for @UNICEF_ECA & @WHO_Europe, we are calling for urgent actions. We need a renewed focus on child and adolescent health and wellbeing, built on 5 key principles:
1๏ธโฃ Investing in child & adolescent health - early interventions = lifelong benefits.
2๏ธโฃ Ensuring duty of care & protection - from quality healthcare to nutritious school meals.
3๏ธโฃ Regulating against commercial harm - protecting children from targeted marketing of unhealthy products.
4๏ธโฃ Strengthening cross-sector governance - aligning health, education, environment & social policies.
5๏ธโฃ Measuring progress & ensuring accountability - @UNICEF_ECA and @WHO_Europe will work together to fill data gaps & assess policy impact.
We must act now. The health and wellbeing of children today will shape the world of tomorrow.
๐ Read my joint letter with @R_DeDominicis in @TheLancet: https://t.co/QV3vXfRxTY
๐จ Mental health crisis affecting youth in Europe:
๐ฅ 1 in 4 young people experience mental health conditions
๐ Most affected: girls, older teens & those from poorer backgrounds
โ ๏ธ Suicide is among the top 3 causes of adolescent death
https://t.co/qfbvj1DsTE
๐ฑ Digital dilemma: Teen social media use is rising
๐ 11% experience problematic social media use, up from 7% in 2018
๐ฅ 1 in 3 maintain continuous online contact
๐ฎ 1 in 5 game for 4+ hours daily
Read our analysis: https://t.co/PyTGpivX1c
#DigitalHealth#YouthWellbeing
10/10 ๐ฌ Evidence-based solutions existโfrom strengthening support systems to promoting healthier habits and regulating harmful products. Letโs act now to create change. Explore the findings here: https://t.co/DZirq6ymWU ๐ #AdolescentHealth
1/10 ๐ On #WorldChildrensDay, we wanted to share insights from the 2021/22 international survey reports we published with @WHO_Europe. The results reveal stark challenges in adolescent healthโ& the urgent need for action. A ๐งต:
9/10 ๐ Adolescents face overlapping challenges: pandemic recovery, social isolation, rising economic pressures, and concerns about their futures. These pressures are interconnected, demanding holistic and systemic responses.