New data from the World Obesity Federation (WOF) was presented by Associate Professor, Doctor Huynh Thi Vu Quynh, Head of Nephrology - Endocrinology Department, Children's Hospital 2, and Deputy Head of Pediatrics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, at a seminar on "Obesity Control in Ho Chi Minh City - Current Situation and Strategy" on the afternoon of 14/8. According to the WOF, Vietnam is among the top 10 countries globally with the fastest increase in childhood obesity rates from 2010-2025, ranking 4th after Liberia, Uganda, and Pakistan.

By 2025, Vietnam is projected to have over 2.2 million children aged 5-9 with obesity and more than 2.6 million children aged 10-19 who are overweight or obese. The highest rates are found in urban areas, followed by rural areas, and the lowest in mountainous regions.

This trend is more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries. The number of obese children in low-income countries is forecast to more than double, from 13 million in 2025 to 27 million by 2040, while high-income countries are expected to see a slight decrease from 30 million to 29 million children due to control policies and resources.

Associate Professor Quynh noted that many parents view childhood obesity as merely being "a bit chubby," affecting appearance, rather than a medical condition requiring intervention. In contrast, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat tissue that impairs health; the American Medical Association (AMA) also classifies it as a medical condition requiring treatment and prevention.

Vietnamese children live in an environment that promotes weight gain.

Childhood obesity results from various factors, including genetics, endocrinology, neurology, medication use, and the living environment. The food environment and lifestyle play significant roles. Children increasingly have easy access to sugary drinks, fast food, sweets and candies, and energy-dense foods. Advertising and delivery platforms further enhance the convenience of these products.

According to UNICEF data cited by the doctor at the seminar, from 2014-2019, the consumption rate of carbonated drinks among Vietnamese children increased by 39%, sweet fast food by 34%, and savory fast food by 28%. Approximately 35% of children aged 13-17 drink carbonated soft drinks at least once daily, 17% eat fast food at least once weekly, while 12% of children aged 2-5 eat sweets and candies every day.

Children's opportunities for physical activity are also limited. About 76% of children aged 13-17 engage in physical activity for less than one hour daily; 41% of children do not use active transportation to school, and 41% of secondary and high schools lack sports fields.

"Children attend school all day, then extra classes in the evening, and finish the day with homework. Parents are also busy, leaving no time to take children swimming or participate in physical activities," said Associate Professor Quynh. She believes that in this context, simply advising children to "eat less and exercise more" is insufficient if the living environment does not change.

Diet contributes to the rapid increase in childhood obesity. Illustration: Bui Thuy

Obesity leads to diseases typically seen in adults.

Obesity affects many organs, increasing the risk of chronic diseases from an early age. Approximately 50-80% of obese children may remain obese into adulthood, while accumulated fat tissue and a sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease.

According to the World Obesity Atlas 2026, a high body mass index (BMI) is linked to approximately 991,000 Vietnamese children aged 5-19 suffering from metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, 515,000 children with dyslipidemia, 352,000 with hypertension, and 163,000 with hyperglycemia in 2025. These disorders can appear in childhood and persist into adulthood if left uncontrolled.

The causes of hypertension in children are also changing. While most cases were previously secondary hypertension, now 30-50% of primary hypertension cases in children are related to obesity. Type 2 diabetes, once rare about 20 years ago, now accounts for 30-40% of diabetes cases in children.

Obesity is also linked to atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, sleep apnea, polycystic ovary syndrome, kidney disease, and musculoskeletal issues. "This is no longer just an aesthetic issue. Obese children can carry many chronic diseases into adulthood," the doctor stated.

By 2060, Vietnam is projected to spend USD 103 billion to address the burden of obesity, equivalent to about 2.81% of its gross domestic product (GDP). This cost includes examinations, tests, medication, surgery, long-term monitoring, and indirect costs such as parents taking time off work to bring children for check-ups, children missing school, transportation, and rehabilitation.

Some obesity medications for children over 12 years old can cost 6-7 million VND per month. Obesity also impacts quality of life, psychological well-being, the ability to participate in social activities, and in the long term, career opportunities.

Students exercise and play sports during recess at Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quynh Tran

The environment must change for children to easily manage weight.

Associate Professor Quynh advises parents to view obesity as a medical condition and intervene as soon as a child becomes overweight, rather than waiting for significant weight gain. Not every child needs rapid weight loss. For children still growing in height, the goal might be to maintain weight so that their BMI gradually decreases over time under the supervision of healthcare professionals.

Families should limit sugary drinks, fast food, and energy-dense snacks, while also creating opportunities for children to exercise regularly. "We need to create a default healthy living environment so that children can manage their weight without constant effort," the doctor emphasized.

The grassroots healthcare system needs to enhance monitoring of weight, height, BMI, and waist circumference to detect at-risk children early; obese children with complications should be referred to specialized facilities. At the policy level, Associate Professor Quynh believes there needs to be coordination among the health, education, and related agencies, from antenatal care and maternal obesity prevention to promoting breastfeeding and creating healthy eating and exercise environments in schools.

On this occasion, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, and Novo Nordisk Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation to implement the "Cities for Better Health" program, witnessed by Ho Chi Minh City leaders and the Danish Embassy in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is the first city in Vietnam and the 57th globally to join this network, aiming to prevent overweight and obesity in children.

Le Phuong