In observance of Europe’s Day of Healthy Food and Cooking on November 8, health experts across Europe emphasize the importance of balanced diets and active lifestyles, with particular focus on children.
The initiative, aimed at fostering nutrition awareness and healthy weight management, comes amid concerning statistics in Bulgaria, where rising childhood obesity rates reflect a significant public health challenge.
Reports reveal that Bulgaria is among the European countries grappling with high rates of childhood obesity. According to Dr. Elena Vuchkova, who spoke on Nova TV, one in three Bulgarian children aged 6 to 18 is classified as overweight.
The trend highlights the broader global rise in obesity rates, particularly in middle- and low-income countries. In contrast, high-income nations are witnessing slight improvements as awareness and access to healthier food options increase.
Dr. Vuchkova explained that around 10% of overweight Bulgarian children have underlying medical conditions contributing to their weight. However, the majority of cases result from lifestyle choices, with poor diet and inactivity posing the largest risks.
As children grow older, she warned, the likelihood of obesity-related health issues—including diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory problems—rises sharply, underscoring the urgency of adopting healthier habits early.
Beyond diet, Bulgaria’s childhood obesity epidemic is fueled by increasingly sedentary lifestyles. “Excessive screen time has become a major contributor,” Dr. Vuchkova added, noting that many children now spend hours each day on screens instead of engaging in physical activities.
This shift, compounded by easy access to calorie-dense snacks, places Bulgarian children at a higher risk of developing lifelong health problems.
Joanna, a working mother of two, shared her approach to keeping her family healthy despite her busy schedule.
Appearing on Nova TV, she described how she prepares balanced meals quickly after work, often within 30 to 40 minutes.
She noted that her meals are simple but nutritious, and she often brings leftovers to work for lunch the next day, showing that healthy eating doesn’t have to be time-intensive.
In addition to mindful eating, Joanna has made physical activity a cornerstone of her family’s routine. Both of her children participate in organized sports throughout the week, and weekends are reserved for outdoor activities like hiking and park visits.
“I train daily myself,” Joanna said, emphasizing her commitment to setting a positive example for her children.
Nutrition experts encourage parents to adopt similar practices to combat obesity in their families. Instead of using sweets as rewards, they recommend parents foster positive associations with physical activity, offering family walks or nutritious fruit treats in place of sugary snacks.
With Bulgaria’s childhood obesity rates rising at a troubling pace, the message on the Day of Healthy Food and Cooking is especially relevant.
Experts hope that raising awareness and sharing practical solutions can help families establish healthier lifestyles, empowering the next generation to avoid the long-term health risks associated with obesity.
As Joanna’s experience shows, small changes in daily routines can make a lasting impact on children’s health, potentially reversing the trend and setting Bulgaria’s youth on a path to a healthier future.