The Vice President of the National Sports Agency (ANS) of Romania, Gabriel Toncan, announced on Friday that a project will soon be officially submitted to introduce a curriculum on nutrition in schools, at least at the secondary level, to reduce childhood obesity.

Gabriel Tončan said that he has already discussed this aspect with the Minister of Education Ligia Deka and the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Education Kallos Zoltan, stating that “our youth rarely do sports and often adopt bad eating habits” and “We are among the countries with an alarming rate childhood obesity, which is a serious problem for the next generation.”

• “Due to the lifestyle of children in Romania, the alarming increase in childhood obesity and related social factors, sedentary lifestyle and consumption of processed foods, I believe that it is absolutely necessary to introduce a new nutrition discipline in schools, at least in grammar school, for V -VIII classes. This discipline, regardless of what it will be called, will be aimed at teaching children to eat properly and lead a healthy lifestyle. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that this soulful project will soon be officially submitted, and I hope it will become a reality,” wrote Gabriel Tonchan on Facebook.

The vice president of the ANS said that a team has been formed to deal with the case, which includes specialists in child psychology, pediatricians and child nutritionists, including the mother of the obese child.

Thus, specialized reports were drawn up showing how critical the situation in Romania is and how urgently effective measures are needed.

• “Our main goal is to introduce this new discipline of nutrition education in schools at the secondary level – to be completed, implemented either as a separate subject (ideal case) or as a mode of learning within sports lessons or related disciplines. Educating our children about health and nutrition is essential to our future as a nation. Thanks to your support of all parents and decision-makers in Romania, we can make these changes and ensure that our youth grow up strong and healthy,” the ANS vice-president emphasized.