Asia–Pacific consensus statement on integrated 24-hour activity guidelines for the early years

Summary
Background Early childhood is a vital period for development and growth. Promoting beneficial lifestyle behaviours in
early childhood can help optimise children’s health, development and learning, shape their behaviours in adulthood
and offer the best protection against future non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In the Asia–Pacific region, NCDs
are significant causes of healthcare burden and mortality. Furthermore, there is also a high prevalence of adverse
metabolic risk factors and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours among these children.
Method Representatives from 19 Asia–Pacific nations and/or jurisdictions developed a consensus statement on
integrated 24-hour activity guidelines for the early years using the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT framework.
Findings These guidelines apply to all infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers below 5 years of age. The guidelines aim to
provide a holistic and practical approach to lifestyle activities by framing physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep
within a 24-hour period. Dietary patterns were included as they play an integral role in metabolic health and energy balance.
Interpretation Aligned with the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of
NCDs through health promotion interventions in early life, through cultivating healthy lifestyle behaviours in the
children’s early years, we aim to provide children with the best start in life and reduce the burden of future NCDs in
the Asia–Pacific region