Childhood obesity is a major global health problem, but more so in developing countries like
According to the Medical Research Council of South Africa nearly 20% of children are obese and of these 70% will go on to become obese adults. Associated with this are numerous physical and psychological disorders and diseases.
Many will be surprised to know that the problem often starts during pregnancy.
Pregnancy & Obesity
In a study published in the medical journal, The Lancet, it has been shown that women who put on excessive amounts of weight during pregnancy will give birth to high weight babies. This more often than not will become a lifelong problem.
Other research has shown that 25% of overweight people have a genetic or physiological predisposition to obesity. If this is coupled with excess weight gain during pregnancy then the child is even more at risk of obesity their entire life.
Western Lifestyle
Most childhood obesity, however, can be linked to culture and lifestyle – especially Western. Here the major problems are super refined and fast foods together with a lack of exercise. For parents it is a near impossible task to counterbalance the reach of marketers of foods that offer little to no nutrition or dietary fibre.
Distractions such as television, cellphones and computers also promote a sedentary culture. Children today get less exercise than their peers of even half a century ago. This has been exacerbated by a drop in school fitness programmes and compulsory sport.
Health Problems
Obese people face greater health problems than those with a balanced body mass index. This is no different for children. Worse, if obesity started in childhood they may be even more susceptible to the diseases and disorders associated with being overweight.
Obesity is now classified as a chronic disease as it contributes among other things to Type-2 diabetes, cancer, hypertension, respiratory ailments, heart disease and osteoarthritis. Overweight people, especially children, are also likely to suffer from psychological problems ranging from low self-esteem issues to depression.
There is a double-whammy in the latter as aspects of the Western lifestyle are promoted as super-cool to youngsters. On the other hand, overweight children are more likely to be perceived as uncool by their peers for having overindulged in that culture. This rejection feeds into the low self-esteem of the sufferer and very often they comfort themselves with, yes you guessed it, food and plonking.
The Solution
While it is more difficult to deal with the quarter of obese children with a genetic or physiological predisposition, which requires medical intervention, the rest can be treated with a change of lifestyle. It all begins with education of parents, care-givers and the child about the food environment and exercise.
Government also needs to get more involved in ensuring a healthy lifestyle. This can be done in numerous ways from taxing fast foods to school programmes. Here, one of the focuses of the ‘Vuka-South Africa’ or ‘Move for Your Health’ initiative is on physical activity for health via the education sector.
In the
But, remember, your health and that of your child is your responsibility and not that of the community or state. You are the primary role model.
Practical Tips
Here are a few things you can do to ensure your child losses weight or does not become obese:
o It is not a cliché to say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. However, focus on cereals with high dietary fibre and fruits, which will give your child a great energy start and keep them regular.
o Take time to pack a healthy school lunch that includes fruit and nuts. Where protein, like cheese, is included then these should be low fat.
o Avoid super refined and fast foods as much as possible – for example, brown sugar and bread rather than white.
o Put more effort into making vegetables with dinner more colourful and appetising.
o Cut out high energy, low nutrition snacks (sweets and crisps) other than as a very rare treat.
o Encourage sport and exercise by making it fun and rewarding.
o Teach your child to balance exercise with plonking without being too dictatorial about limiting such things as television.
o Never ever do anything to further lower the overweight child’s self-esteem. Rather promote the positive than the negative. By further compromising their self-worth you face the danger that they will eat more or develop an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia.
o Make your child a partner in your efforts to reduce their weight and keep it off.
