The World Health Organization is providing historic recommendations for healthy and nutritious food in schools. These measures aim to improve childhood health around the globe today. New global guidance shows that serving healthy food in schools can help children develop positive dietary habits. These habits may last for their entire lives.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that school environments have a profound impact on learning and the lifelong well-being of all children.
Addressing the Global Obesity Crisis
Global obesity levels surpassed underweight cases for the first time in 2025. The world struggles with a growing childhood health crisis. Statistics reveal that one in ten school-aged children now live with obesity while nearly four hundred million youths are considered overweight globally. Recent reports indicate that diabetes currently affects over eight hundred million people worldwide. It impacts one out of every six modern pregnancies.
Gaps in Current Marketing Policies
While over one hundred nations have established school food policies, only forty-eight countries currently restrict the marketing of high-sugar and salty products. Millions of children spend a large portion of their day at school. The surrounding food environment significantly shapes their future habits. Getting nutrition right at school is critical for preventing serious diseases later in life and creating much healthier adults for the future.
A Shift Toward Nutritious Options
The World Health Organization recommends increasing the availability of whole grains, fruits, and nuts while limiting free sugars and harmful saturated fats. Schools should also implement nudging interventions by changing the packaging or placement of food to encourage students to select much healthier meal options. The international organization plans to support countries with technical assistance and collaborative measures to ensure these nutritional guidelines are successfully realized everywhere.
Q&A Section
Question: Why is school food considered critical for long-term health according to the newest recommendations from the World Health Organization?
Healthy school food helps children build strong dietary habits that prevent chronic diseases and create healthier adults as they grow much older.
Question: What are nudging interventions in school cafeterias and how do they help students choose better foods during their daily lunch?
These are subtle changes in food packaging or portion sizes designed to encourage children to pick nutritious snacks instead of unhealthy options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did childhood obesity levels first surpass underweight cases around the world for the first time in our modern history?
Obesity levels officially surpassed underweight cases globally for the first time during 2025 according to the latest reports from the World Health Organization.
How many countries currently restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods that are high in sugar or fats to their school children?
As of late 2025, only forty-eight Member States had implemented policies that specifically restrict the marketing of foods high in sugar or salt.
What specific types of foods does the WHO recommend that schools offer more frequently to students to improve their overall nutrition?
The guidance suggests offering more pulses, whole grains, and fruits while significantly reducing the amount of sodium and salt in daily school meals.
