New guidelines launched to promote healthy eating and physical activity in schools

(PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Organization of American States (OAS) have launched new guidelines to support countries in the Americas in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating policies that promote healthy eating and physical activity in school settings, as rates of overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity continue to rise among children and adolescents. More than 80% of adolescents also fail to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Against this backdrop, PAHO and the OAS are highlighting schools as critical settings for fostering healthy habits from an early age. “By promoting healthy eating and physical activity in schools, we are also strengthening educational pathways, socio-emotional well-being, active participation, and learning opportunities for future generations.” What the new guidelines recommendThe Regional Guidelines on Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Policies in School Settings (PASAFE) provide a roadmap for countries to develop, implement, and strengthen school policies that support healthy lifestyles.