Globally, around one in 10 young people aged 5–17 years are overweight or obese.
Childhood obesity is considered one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Globally, around one in 10 young people aged 5–17 years are overweight or obese, with levels increasing rapidly in many countries and regions in recent years. Most overweight or obese children now live in developing countries. More and more young people in Europe are affected, however, with evidence suggesting that up to one in three boys and one in ve girls aged 6–9 years is now obese. Prevalence is generally higher in southern European countries.