Lack of sleep accelerates childhood obesity rates

UAE doctors are urging parents to ensure children get more rest as evidence mounts of a connection between lack of sleep and soaring obesity rates among children and young people.

A recent study by the University of Colorado, involving 177,000 respondents, found that insufficient sleep was associated with unhealthy eating habits, such as skipping breakfast and the consumption of fast food and sugary foods. It was also found to be associated with being overweight or obese.

The study mirrors others with similar conclusions. UAE doctors are warning that Emirati children are among those at risk.

The UAE has double the world average in obesity rates, with health authorities estimating that up to 40 per cent of children are either overweight or obese, leading to the potential for developing serious health conditions.

Worldwide, about 340 million school-age children and 41 million below the age of five are overweight or obese, according to figures from the World Health Organisation.

Dr Heather Wadams, consulting paediatric endocrinologist at Seha’s Mafraq hospital, said that lack of sleep is a factor in childhood and adolescent obesity in the UAE.

“I find that children in the UAE stay up much, much later than they would in North America,” Dr Wadams said.

But she also said that healthcare professionals do not know exactly why lack of sleep contributes to obesity.

Some research suggests that it promotes the release of more hunger hormones and lowers the levels of hormones that tell your body you are full. It also seems to contribute to insulin resistance.

The recommended amount of sleep for children between the ages of six and 13 is between nine and 11 hours per night. “Adolescents need more sleep than adults because they are developing. I would love to see children here go to bed at 9pm at the latest and wake up at 6am for school.”

Dr Abdullah Al Jneibi, consulting paediatric endocrinologist at Burjeel Day Surgery Centre, said “our bodies are made so that we function during the day and rest at night. Children who don’t get enough sleep have a problem managing their weight”.