All interventionsAdvertising and other forms of food and beverage marketing to children are widespread across the world and are influencing children’s food preferences, purchase requests and consumption patterns. A significant amount of this marketing is for products with a high content of fat, sugars or salt, consumption of which may increase the risk of overweight, obesity or certain noncommunicable diseases.
Overweight and obese children are at higher risk of developing serious health problems including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma and other respiratory problems, sleep disorders and liver disease. They may also suffer from psychological effects, such as low self-esteem, depression and social isolation. Childhood obesity also increases the risk of obesity, noncommunicable diseases, premature death and disability in adulthood.