The study, based upon data on the ‘nutritional status’ of the under-fives in 32 of the 53 World Health Organisation member states, shows 27 per cent of children in Ireland are overweight or obese and 23 per cent in the UK.
Researchers from Emory University in Georgia, USA and the World Heath Organisation’s (WHO) regional office in Europe, who carried out the study, also found that Albania, Georgia, Bulgaria and Spain have high rates of childhood obesity.
In comparison, Kazahkstan has the lowest obesity rate at just one per cent, followed by the Czech Republic where six per cent of children under the age of five are overweight or obese.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
