Parents 'can't stop' child obesity

Government-led programmes attempting to curb childhood obesity by educating parents do not work, an international study published yesterday concluded, and researchers are calling for policies that prioritise society-wide solutions.

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Paris -

Obesity is a major health crisis with more than one in eight people globally now obese, according to the World Health Organisation. By 2050, nearly 60% of adults and one third of children are predicted to be obese.

Hoping to address the problem, governments worldwide have launched programmes to raise awareness among new parents about the importance of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.