Childhood obesity: A mid-term evaluation of the EU action plan on childhood obesity 2014-2020

Obesity levels in Europe continue to be very concerning with recent figures showing that over half of all Europeans are now overweight or obese. Obesity is a serious, yet preventable, risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. A holistic approach is required to tackle this health crisis at
different levels. It is particularly important that high levels of consumption amongst children of foods containing levels of fat, sugar and salt are tackled immediately.

BEUC are calling on Member State governments and the European Commission to ensure that such a strategy includes the following actions:

• Tougher rules on marketing to children;
• Mandatory and measurable food reformulation targets;
• Consumer-friendly nutritional labelling.