A new report from the WHO Regional Office for Europe shows that the implementation of key policies to promote healthy eating and prevent obesity has improved significantly in recent years. This report assesses the progress of the WHO European region in implementing the food and nutrition in Europe action plan 2015-2020. It provides selected epidemiological data and key insights related to policies to promote healthy nutrition in the population. The report found that substantial progress had been made in areas such as school food, food product reform, financial measures and child obesity monitoring. However, areas where implementation is lagging behind and therefore more attention needs to be paid to include positive packaging labels and overall marketing restrictions on high-fat, sugar and salt foods. In addition, the report identifies the scope of actions to support the recovery or expansion of breastfeeding and good complementary feeding practices.
The data contained in the report come from the responses of Member States to the WHO global nutrition policy review questionnaire. At present, unhealthy diet accounts for one fifth of the world’s deaths, and overweight and obesity among children and adolescents are increasing rapidly in almost all countries. It is encouraging that Member States continue to make this issue a priority. Halfway through the implementation of the action plan, who is pleased to see substantial progress. However, the report points out that there are some significant differences in the breadth and depth of policies among countries, which may have an impact on diet and health. Some countries have taken minimum measures, while others have taken more ambitious measures. In addition, most countries are not on track to meet the global goals for NCDs and nutrition. With the adoption of the sustainable development goals, all Member States in the region are committed to addressing all forms of malnutrition and preventing avoidable premature deaths from non communicable diseases. Who encourages countries to improve and expand their practices in food and nutrition in Europe policies to ensure that they are comprehensive, have the greatest possible impact, and contribute to the achievement of these important targets and goals.
