Global alliances to combat childhood obesity and promote healthier food environments: the role of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition

e202610072

Abstract

Childhood obesity has emerged as a growing global Public Health challenge, with short- and long-term implications for the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children.

Its multifactorial and global nature has positioned this issue as a worldwide priority, prompting various international organizations to address it through diverse approaches. International institutional cooperation —both among countries and with multilateral organizations— therefore constitutes a strategic and essential component for the design, implementation, and evaluation of effective policies aimed at preventing childhood obesity.

Although the multisectoral nature of obesity requires comprehensive strategies that act across the environments in which children and adolescents develop —including educational, urban and healthcare settings— this article only analyses the pivotal role of international institutional cooperation to support the development of measures designed to promote healthy diets and physical activity. Furthermore, Spain’s participation in technical forums and initiatives focused on transforming the food environment —as a fundamental element for effectively addressing obesity— highly contribute to improve equitable access to healthy and high-quality food.

The advantages of global coordination are presented, along with the contributions of international organizations in shaping policies to improve food environments, as well as the main challenges and opportunities for Spain to establish itself as a leader in the international context..