Pedro Sánchez presents the Childhood Obesity Reduction Plan, "so that growing up healthily is a guaranteed right in Spain"

Juan de la Cierva Sports Center, Getage (Madrid)

Foto: Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo

During the event, Sánchez pointed out that "four out of every ten children and three out of every ten adolescents in our country are overweight, and this situation is undoubtedly the result of social inequality", given that it is in households with very low income levels that children are twice as likely to suffer from obesity.

This is therefore an issue that "concerns all administrations" and those of us who share the vision of ensuring "that all children and adolescents have the same opportunities for the future, and that their economic and social conditions of birth do not dictate having or not a fulfilling life".

Hence the National Plan for the Reduction of Childhood Obesity, with which "we want to ensure that growing up healthily is a guaranteed right in Spain". In fact, "the goal for the year 2030 is to achieve a 25% reduction in overweight children and a 40% reduction in the associated social gap," he added.

Exceptional Event of Public Interest, with more than 200 measures

Foto: Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo

To achieve this, all the mechanisms at the government's disposal will be developed, including research, social awareness, coordination between all administrations and, of course, funding. Hence, "this issue will be given priority consideration in the General State Budget" and in the regional and local budgets, and "the private sector will be involved in the development of the actions, because it will be declared an Exceptional Event of Public Interest".

The plan to reduce childhood obesity will be developed along six strategic lines to generate a social ecosystem favourable to physical activity and sport, which will include healthy eating; emotional well-being and adequate rest. This includes strengthening public systems to promote healthy lifestyles and to ensure the protection of children's health.

More than 200 measures are included, such as promoting prescribing physical exercise; the use of digital cards to obtain food aid; the incorporation of nutrition education into school curricula; "opening up school playgrounds" to increase access during non-school hours; increasing the number of green and sports spaces in urban areas; promoting the healthy and balanced use of screens; and raising awareness among families about the importance of healthy lifestyles and how to adopt them in a simple way.

Foto: Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo

The event was also attended by Ernesto Gasco, High Commissioner for the Fight against Child Poverty, who has coordinated this plan; María Neira, Director of Public Health and Environment of the World Health Organisation (WHO); the chef Joan Roca; the swimmer Teresa Perales, and the former basketball player and President of the Gasol Foundation, Pau Gasol.

Non official translation