WHY CHILDHOOD OBESITY CONTINUES TO RISE IN CHILE?

Abstract

In few years, Chile went from a pre-transition situation to a post-epidemiological transition situation between 1970 and 1990. The post-transition continued from 1990 to 2000, when cancer became the first cause of death, and neurological-degenerative diseases increased. This corresponds to the fourth phase of the epidemiological transition or prolonged transition. With the appearance of the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation changes because chronic, neu- rological-degenerative and mental health diseases coexist with the viral diseases of COVID-19, influenza, syncytial virus in children and new varieties of viruses. This is more severe in an ag- ing population and with an increase in obesity due to unhealthy eating and sedentary lifestyle. According to the JUNAEB Nutritional Map, childhood obesity increased from 7.5% in 1987 to 25% today. From the 25%, a third (8-9%) have severe obesity, and obesity increased the most in the 5^thgrade basic school and 1^st grade junior school. This demonstrates a shift in obesity from young children to adolescents. The reasons for this increase are: 1) lack of awareness in the population; 2) lack of health promotion and prevention policies; 3) discontinuity of the programs and 4) multifactorial nature of obesity: genetic, gestational and post-natal, socio- economic and sociodemographic factors, urban and educational environment, time in front of screens, advertising and social networks, family life and sleep patterns. Childhood obesity must be faced in a multisectoral manner, with appropriate public policies and strengthening the public and private health system; increasing the proportion of health spending in GDP (Gross Domestic Product), with more and better training of human resources and health promotion and preventive actions.