What do the data say for future generations?!
This question is no longer speculation. Data published by international health authorities indicate a strong link between current eating habits and the disease burden on future generations.
Childhood overweight is no longer an exception. According to the World Health Organization, in 2022, over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 were overweight, 160 million of whom were obese. This picture means that the risk of chronic diseases is shifting to earlier ages.
Looking at the statistics, childhood obesity has increased dramatically since 1975. In a global analysis announced by the WHO with Imperial College London, it is emphasized that the number of obese individuals aged 5–19 increased more than 10-fold from 1975 to 2016. This means it is the result of a global trend, not just one country's.
The modern diet has energy, but lacks quality. Today's prevalent dietary model often relies on refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed products. However, the human body sustains itself with calories and repairs itself with protein + amino acids for:
• immunity (antibodies)
• growth and development
• muscle-bone tissue
• cell regeneration
Topics such as protein quality and amino acid digestibility are critically emphasized in FAO assessments as crucial for health.
The risk signal for ultra-processed foods is strong. Analyses from Harvard T.H. Chan indicate that ultra-processed food consumption may be associated with cardiovascular risks, and that some subcategories within this group appear more problematic. Similarly, large-scale analyses published in BMJ report associations between ultra-processed food intake and various adverse health outcomes.
So, can the future change?
Yes, but the way to do this is not to eat more, but to eat better. We may be feeding children today, but the real question is: are we truly nourishing them?
Between my concern and my fears, I see this: today's plate turns into tomorrow's hospital statistic.
