Nutrition transition in Chile revisited: mid-term evaluation of obesity goals for the period 2000–2010

Abstract

The goals for the decade (2000-2010) consider a reduction of obesity rates from 10% to 7% in pre-school children attending JUNJI, and from 16% to 12% in schoolchildren attending first grade. For pregnant women, the goal is to reduce the prevalence from 32% to 28%. Despite the implementation of initiatives in nutrition and physical activity, these have been insufficient to shift the rising trend in obesity. The explanation could be that after a rapid rise in obesity in children and pregnant women between 1987 and 2000, a stabilisation period or a 'plateau' is observed. In that situation, very effective interventions are required to reduce obesity, because it is extremely difficult to reverse the trend. Some positive experiences are being implemented in Chile, but government priorities are not focused in health promotion. A comprehensive State Policy in health promotion, that includes the public and private sectors related with obesity, is needed to reverse this trend.