Associate Professor Doctor Tran Thanh Duong, director of the National Institute of Nutrition, revealed this information at the 2025 International Scientific Conference on School Nutrition on 14/8. The conference was co-organized by the Central Commission for Propaganda and Education, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education and Training.
"This rate is even faster than Thailand's and is approaching that of developed nations. Overweight and obesity are a ticking time bomb for the burden of non-communicable diseases in the future, eroding national health and productivity," Duong said.
Obesity is just one of four nutritional burdens facing Vietnamese children, along with malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and a rise in diet-related non-communicable diseases. In some developed countries like the US and Australia, childhood obesity rates range from 20% to 30%.
Modern diets rich in fast food, sugary drinks, and processed foods are identified as the primary cause. According to a survey by the National Institute of Nutrition, Vietnamese children consume an average of 30 to 40 grams of sugar daily, exceeding the WHO recommendation of less than 25 grams per day. Urban children also spend 4 to 6 hours a day on sedentary activities like watching television and using computers and electronic devices.
"Another crucial factor is the lack of balanced school meals. Currently, less than 50% of schools provide meals for preschool children, and about 30% for primary school students. Most school canteens and nearby vendors sell fast food, sugary drinks, and processed foods," Duong said.
Childhood obesity increases the risk of non-communicable diseases like type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, starting in adolescence. Research from the National Children's Hospital has found cases of Vietnamese children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes as young as 9 to 10 years old, a rarity a decade ago.
Beyond the health impact, the cost of treating obesity-related diseases could consume 5% to 7% of the national health budget in the future, experts estimate.
At the conference, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Tri Thuc also expressed concern about Vietnam's existing nutritional burdens. He emphasized the need for new thinking and breakthrough solutions, creating a "strategic push" at the "school front." He believes this is the last golden opportunity for comprehensive intervention in nutrition and physical activity, establishing a foundation for lifelong health for the younger generation.
"We need to legalize school nutrition policies to implement programs like the national school meal program, nutrition education, and school obesity control to develop the stature and physical strength of the young generation," the deputy minister said.
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Children eating lunch at school. Photo: Linh Nga |
Children eating lunch at school. Photo: Linh Nga
Doctor Le Thai Ha, deputy director of the Preventive Medicine Department (Ministry of Health), stated that the Law on Disease Prevention, currently under development, includes a dedicated chapter on nutrition. The draft law specifies that students of all levels will receive nutrition education and promotion, ensuring age-appropriate diets and regular nutritional assessments.
The draft law's regulations will shift from "recommendations" to "requirements," clarifying the responsibilities of educational institutions in implementing school health services, ensuring food safety, proper nutrition, and promoting physical activity for students, Ha added.
The draft Law on Disease Prevention is expected to be reported to the government and submitted to the National Assembly for review and comment at its October session.
Le Nga
