Ending Childhood Obesity Report
The Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity (ECHO) has released its final report for the World Health Organization containing a range of recommendations for all governments to reverse the rising trend of childhood obesity.
ECHO has developed six key recommendations to successfully tackle childhood and adolescent obesity in different contexts across the world.
Promoting physical activity features prominently among the six recommendations. General recommendations include providing guidance to children and adolescents as well as parents, carers, teachers and health professionals on physical activity and appropriate screen-based entertainment. In addition, adequate physical activity facilities should be made available in schools and public spaces.
Specifically, guidance was given to promote activity during early childhood which includes incorporating physical activity into the daily routine and curriculum in formal childcare settings. Whole-community support for caregivers and childcare settings to promote healthy lifestyles for young children is also recommended.
Schools are recommended to implement programmes that promote a healthy school environment through including quality physical education in the school curriculum. To support this, they recommend adequate and appropriate staffing and facilities.
