A top German health body has released a report on children’s health. Obesity, smoking and psychological issues all remain problems.
One in five children in Germany show indications of having psychological problems, according to a study released on Thursday by the Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s public health body.
Obesity
According to the study, 15.4 percent of children between 3 and 17 are overweight or obese. That is a similar percentage to numbers from more than a decade ago.
Although overweight or obesity rates are high, researchers found it positive that the upward trend has stopped. At the same time, they say that the fact that the levels remain so high means there is no room for complacency.
Nearly half of children who were overweight or obese as a child remained so in their teenage years, the study said. Children who are overweight or obese are also more likely to suffer from weight issues as an adult. They are also more likely to have long-term health problems and be bullied, according to the US Centers of Disease Control.
The study also found a correlation between children’s weight problems and their socio-economic status, with kids from less-educated and well-off households most affected.
For more read the full of article at The DW
