The recent PASOS study, by the Pau Gasol Foundation, in its second edition, has analyzed lifestyles, health status and prevalence of excess weight among the child and youth population of Spain. The results, obtained from a representative sample of more than 3,000 young people, paint a worrying picture of the well-being of young people in the country.
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According to the study, a general deterioration has been observed in various aspects of the lifestyle of Spanish children and adolescents. From emotional well-being to eating habits and physical activity, many indicators show a negative trend. Surprisingly, this deterioration appears to be more pronounced among those of lower socioeconomic status.
One of the most alarming findings is the high prevalence of excess weight in the child and youth population. Nearly a third of children and adolescents in Spain are overweight, with more than one in ten classified as obese. This problem disproportionately affects those of the male gender and the population between 8 and 12 years old.
Disaggregated by gender, it is observed that the prevalence of obesity (13.1%) and severe obesity (1.8%) is higher for boys than for girls (7.1% and 1.2%, respectively) . In this sense, there is a notable inequality between both genders, since the former have a prevalence of obesity that is around 7% higher.
When looking at the life stage, it is evident that the prevalence of obesity (13.3%) and severe obesity (2.3%) in childhood (population under 12 years of age) is much higher than that of the general population. adolescent (7.3% and 0.9% respectively). Likewise, it can be seen that the percentage of overweight is slightly higher in childhood (22.3%) than in adolescence (21.1%). In short, about 4 out of every 10 boys and girls aged 8 to 12 are overweight (37.9%), unlike 29.3% of the adolescent population.
The study also highlights the worrying trend of increasing screen use among young Spaniards. Both during the week and at weekends, time spent on electronic devices far exceeds established recommendations, raising serious concerns about the effects on young people’s physical and mental health.
Another important aspect highlighted by the study is non-compliance with sleep recommendations. Almost half of children and adolescents do not get enough sleep, with a higher incidence among adolescent girls and those of lower socioeconomic status.
Regarding diet, there has been a decrease in adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a dietary pattern known for its health benefits. This is especially concerning given the fundamental role that diet plays in the healthy development of young people.
Stratified by average income per person/year, it is observed that the prevalence of obesity in the child and adolescent population that attends educational centers located in a census section with a lower RMP (25% of the sample with a lower RMP) is 15.4. %, compared to an 8.7% prevalence of obesity in the population that attends educational centers located in a census section with a higher RMP (25% of the sample with a higher RMP). In particular, it is observed that the prevalence of severe obesity doubles (2% vs 0.9%) in the population that is in the most disadvantaged group (25% of the population with the lowest RMP) compared to the most advantaged population.
Stratified by child poverty, it is observed that the prevalence of obesity and severe obesity in the population that attends educational centers located in a census section with a higher percentage of child poverty is 12.4% and 2.1%, respectively. . On the other hand, the data show that the most advantaged population has a lower prevalence of obesity (9.4%) and severe obesity (0.6%). The data show the existence of inequalities based on the percentage of poverty in the child and youth population. Specifically, the difference in obesity is 4.5%, adding obesity and severe obesity.
Finally, the study found that the practice of moderate or vigorous physical activity has also decreased compared to previous years. This decline is particularly notable among the youngest and those of lower socioeconomic status.
Given these worrying findings, researchers are calling for urgent action. They recommend continuing to invest in research on lifestyles and health of children and youth in Spain. Furthermore, they suggest the implementation of public policies that address the structural factors that contribute to these problems, as well as the promotion of healthy habits from an early age.
In summary, the PASOS study has revealed a series of worrying trends in the lifestyles and health of children and adolescents in Spain. From excess weight gain to excessive screen use and decreased physical activity, there is a clear need for urgent action to address these issues and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
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