Parents can play a key role in prevention, treatment of child obesity
This World Anti-Obesity Day, experts are calling for parents to introduce more exercise and healthy eating into their children’s daily lives to prevent the emerging obesity epidemic in the region, and help prevent the psychological effects of obesity.
Childhood obesity has emerged as a major health challenge around the globe affecting more than 41 million children worldwide, and forecasted to reach 70 million by 2025, if current trends continue. The effects of obesity extend to the community and finances of the country and it is currently costing the UAE, $6 billion per year.
Bahee Van de Bor, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) in London, that treats children from the UAE, said: “Overweight and obese children are likely to remain obese into adulthood and face problems such as depression and bullying, which can further decrease children’s self-esteem and mental well-being,” Van de Bor said.
She added that to avoid the psychological problems continuing into adulthood, it is important to tackle childhood obesity early.
Dr Lee Hudson, consultant general paediatrician at GOSH, emphasised the severity of the problem stating that it is an emerging epidemic in the region and said that “issues with weight tend to build over time and they can go unnoticed by the family until the problems are established.”
Obese children have an increased risk as adults for strokes, coronary artery disease, hypertension and diabetes, which will lead to a decreased quality of life and a shortened lifespan. “Losing weight is hard, and the treatment for being overweight is usually the same as the way to prevent it,” said Dr Hudson, who is urging families in the Middle East to take action against childhood obesity.
Dr Hudson and Van De Bor agree that the support network around the child can play a key role in the prevention or treatment of obesity. Children need around 60 minutes of exercise a day which can be split between school and extra-curricular activities. Being active and eating healthy should be incorporated in an enjoyable way as simple as playing tag.