Kazakhstan Considers Restrictions on Unhealthy Food Advertising to Protect Youth

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the Kazakh government to examine options for restricting advertisements that market unhealthy food products.

The President noted that the unchecked promotion of junk food threatens the nation's future workforce and places a heavy burden on the public healthcare system.

"Medical professionals report nearly 7,000 children currently living with diabetes, a figure that continues to climb rather than decline. Many countries already ban or limit youth-targeted advertising for items high in fats, sugar, and salt," Tokayev highlighted.

Health experts project that the number of children affected by obesity in Kazakhstan could reach 1.9 million by 2035. This trend is driven by increasingly sedentary lifestyles, widespread access to high-calorie foods, and the erosion of mindful eating habits.