The World Health Organization (WHO) has published global recommendations for healthy and balanced nutrition in educational institutions for the first time, as reported by the UN News Service.
According to the new guidelines, WHO emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition in schools for instilling lifelong healthy eating habits in children.
The problem of overweight and obesity among children continues to grow worldwide, alongside undernutrition, which also remains a serious issue.
It is projected that by 2025, cases of childhood obesity will surpass the disappearance of underweight among children.
Statistics show that last year about 10% of children and adolescents suffered from obesity, and one in five, totaling 391 million, was overweight. Moreover, a recent WHO report indicated that over 800 million people worldwide, including one in six pregnant women, suffer from diabetes.
As of October 2025, 104 WHO member states have implemented healthy eating policies in schools, but only 48 of them have established restrictions on the marketing of products high in sugar, salt, or harmful fats.
The school food environment shapes the eating habits of millions of children who spend most of their time in educational institutions.
WHO
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted: “The nutrition that children receive in schools, as well as the environment around them, can significantly impact their educational achievements and have long-term consequences for health and well-being.” He added that proper nutrition in schools plays a key role in disease prevention and the formation of a healthier adult population.
WHO calls for increased availability of healthy foods and beverages for children while reducing the amount of unhealthy food. This implies reducing the content of sugar, trans fats, and salt, as well as increasing the share of whole grains, fruits, nuts, and legumes.
To implement the new recommendations, WHO will provide technical support to states, share experiences, and develop other forms of cooperation.
- It was previously reported that in Kyrgyzstan, 14 soms are allocated per day for the nutrition of one primary school student. In Bishkek, this amount from the city budget is 22 soms, while in Osh it is 15 soms.
