Childhood Obesity is one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. Its prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate. Globally, 170 million children under 18 years old, are estimated to be overweight and 42 million children under the age of 5 were overweight or obese in 2013. In Portugal, 32,1% of the children (6-9 years) are overweight, and within this group, 14.5% are, in fact, obese. Children who are obese are more likely to become obese adults. Adult obesity is associated with several serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cancer.

Vitamimos is an impact venture that aims to prevent the childhood obesity since 2008. The creation of a Food Education Centre, located in a public park, that empowers children and families to have healthier eating habits and lifestyles, has been a happy strategy. Several programs are being developed by Vitamimos to scale up the impact, such as Health Chefs.

Health Chefs is a program that transforms each child into the best caregiver, the first responsible, for its own health, a true Chef! It implements hands-on cooking and nutrition education programs for young people aged 6 through 12. The children cooking classes introduce to the fun of preparing and enjoying healthy food that is both nutritious and delicious – essential for tackling obesity. Students learn basic cooking skills and the joy of eating and cooking with fresh fruits and vegetables, becoming empowered as change agents who prefer to cook and eat healthy meals.

The Health Chefs App will motivate children to learning about healthy food and reinforce our intervation.

Website: http://www.vitamimos.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vitamimos/

Email: info@vitamimos.pt