New Study: Frightening Statistics Show High Levels of Obesity Among Spanish Children

Spanish children spend 294 minutes a day in front of screens during the weekends, according to an alarming new study.

The PASOS 2022 Study on Physical Activity, Sedentary Lifestyle, Lifestyles and Obesity in Spanish Youth follows a previous study from 2019, which tracks obesity incidence rates and other health indicators among Spanish children.

The study found that more children were sedentary on weekends, with Spanish youth spending an average of 294 minutes per day in front of screens.

The findings also noted a decline in healthy eating habits between 2019 and 2022, as measured in Spain by adherence to Mediterranean diets.

It found that one in three children ages 8 to 16 are overweight or obese.

As part of a broader look at well-being, the study found that 40% of girls aged eight to 16 felt worried or unhappy.

Spain leads all the countries of the European Union in obesity, with four out of ten girls and boys living with obesity or being overweight.

Obesity has also doubled in girls and adolescents in the last 20 years.

The President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, the High Commissioner against Childhood Poverty Ernesto Gasco and the co-founder of the Gasol Foundation, Pau Gasol, have presented a transversal plan to reduce childhood obesity by 25% by 2030.

The National Strategic Plan for the Reduction of Childhood Obesity has more than 200 measures that will follow six key steps; promote physical activity and sports, promote healthy eating, promote emotional well-being and adequate rest, promote healthy lifestyles, protect the health of children and generate a cultural change towards healthy lifestyles.

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