Nina Carberry· PPE

Overestimated

Nearly one in three children in the EU are affected by overweight or obesity.

Omissions

• The MEP used outdated 2022 WHO data instead of the most recent 2025 data which shows a lower rate (25% vs 33%).
• The 'nearly 1 in 3' (approx. 33%) claim refers to a 2022 WHO report, while the March 2026 claim should have cited the November 2025 WHO data showing 25%.
• The data refers specifically to children aged 7-9 years in participating countries, not all children in the EU.
• The WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) does not cover all EU Member States.

Sources

• PrimaryWHO Europe - Childhood obesity and overweight remain a major concern across the region25% of children aged 7-9 years were living with overweight (including obesity) and 11% with obesity
• PrimaryWHO Europe - European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) Report25% of children aged 7-9 years were living with overweight (including obesity) and 11% with obesity
• PrimaryEuropean Commission Knowledge for Policy DatasetTable showing prevalence of overweight in children under 5 years and 7-9 years across EU countries
• SecondaryOpen Evidence - Addressing Childhood Obesity in Europe citing WHO 2022 ReportWHO European Regional Obesity Report 2022 indicate that nearly one in three children in the WHO European Region are living with overweight or obesity