Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 28, 2026 Healthcare
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its first global recommendations for healthy and balanced meals in schools. In these new guidelines, WHO emphasizes that healthy meals in schools help children develop healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.
“The food children receive at school and the environment that shapes their eating behaviour can significantly impact the quality of their learning and have long-term consequences for their health and well-being,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Alarming global statistics
Rates of overweight and obesity among children are rising worldwide, while undernutrition remains a serious problem. In 2025, the global rate of childhood obesity exceeded the rate of underweight for the first time.
Last year, approximately one in ten school-aged children and adolescents was obese, and one in five—or 391 million—was overweight. Furthermore, a recent WHO report found that over 800 million people worldwide, as well as one in six pregnant women, suffer from diabetes.
As of October 2025, 104 WHO Member States had policies related to healthy school meals, but only 48 countries had introduced restrictions on the marketing of foods high in sugar, salt or unhealthy fats, the WHO notes.
For millions of children who spend a significant portion of their day at school, the school food environment shapes their future eating habits. "Proper nutrition at school is a key factor in preventing future diseases and developing a healthier adult population," the WHO chief emphasized.
More beans, less sugar
The WHO recommends increasing the availability of healthy foods and beverages for children while reducing unhealthy ones. This means reducing the amount of sugar, trans fats, and salt in foods while increasing the proportion of whole grains, fruits, nuts, and legumes.
To implement the new dietary guidelines, the World Health Organization will provide countries with technical assistance, knowledge sharing, and other forms of collaboration.
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