Russia records about 20% of overweight children, obesity rate is 6-8%

On September 10, RIA Novosti News Agency (Russia) quoted Ms. Valentina Aleksandrovna Peterkova, a leading pediatric endocrinologist of the Russian Ministry of Health, saying that about 20% of children in this country are overweight, with 6-8% of children obese.

Children in Russia's Transbaikal region. (Source: TASS)

Speaking at a medical conference, Ms Peterkova noted that Russia ranked low in terms of childhood obesity among European countries, but warned that the figures were still worrying.

“We are sixth from the bottom among European countries in terms of childhood obesity… but it is still a matter of concern,” Ms Peterkova said.

In early June this year, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko reported that 480,000 schoolchildren in the country were obese, marking a 1.6-fold increase in the obesity rate among Russian children in general.

According to Mr. Murashko, this increase is due to children's lack of exercise, poor nutrition and lack of interest in sports .

The overall obesity rate among Russian children aged 15-17 has increased by 9.2% since 2018.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/nga-ghi-nhan-khoang-20-tre-em-thua-can-ty-le-beo-phi-la-6-8-327345.html