The Government places the fight against childhood obesity as a national challenge.

In Catalonia, 21.3% of children between 6 and 12 years old are overweight and 11.3% suffer from obesity, according to data from the 2024 Catalan Health Survey (ESCA). The percentage of obesity is higher among boys—standing at 14%—than among girls—standing at. To address this public health problem, it is important that its approach and prevention be included within the framework of equitable policies that reduce social and commercial inequalities in health, emphasizing the environment and living conditions of children and their families.

With these figures in hand, the Catalan Government has decided to position the fight against childhood obesity as a national challenge. And in this strategy to prevent and address childhood and adolescent obesity, the Catalan Government and the Department of Health consider that one of the keys is to avoid stigma and bullying based on weight or body shape. Weight stigma occurs when a person is judged, criticized, or excluded for their body, and this situation can also seriously affect their emotional and physical health.

To implement this strategy for preventing childhood obesity, there are several elements that must be prioritized. First, offering a positive parenting that ensures the care and development of children's abilities, giving them adequate recognition and guiding them according to established limits that allow them to grow as people. Secondly, avoid making comments about their physical appearance, that of other people, or their own, and educate them in diversity and respect. In this sense, it is necessary to monitor the situation of children in the school environment and seek spaces for communication to prevent and respond to possible situations ofbullying.

It is also important to strive to maintain a healthy diet within the family environment, and to have a family meal at least once a day to promote a child's health. Furthermore, enjoying leisure time with the family, and, whenever possible, in close contact with the family, promotes well-being and contributes to improved health.

For more information, visit the website of the Health Channel of the Government of Catalonia.

A child's 'thousand golden days'

The a thousand golden days It is a concept that refers to the first thousand days of life, from conception to the second birthday of a child. This stage is considered essential for developing a baby's potential, which will depend on their opportunities to grow up healthy, well-nourished, predisposed to learning, emotionally secure, and listened to, as well as on their access to appropriate health, nutrition, education, and protection services.

In this context, five aspects directly related to them must be taken into account, which will have an impact on our child's growth: