Diet cited for fat, unfocused kids

TODAY’s kids are battling sweeping health burdens as global childhood obesity statistics soar and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) continues to rise.

As a result, parents are seeking help from nutrition experts.

Johannesburg dietician Tabitha Hume said the number of her preteen obesity and overweight patients had tripled in three years.

Hume said poor eating habits and a ‘‘lethargic” lifestyle compounded the problem.

‘‘Kids have a lot of anxiety and they are not able to relieve this by playing outside. It’s a big deal to be able to play outside,” she said.

Instead, however, children sit in front of the television or play with iPads, cellphones and gaming consoles.

‘‘The devices stimulate beta waves in the brain, which incite anxiety,” she said.

This increases levels of anxiety and stimulates the body to produce cortisol — a long-term stress hormone — which leads to increased appetite. They then turn to “quickfix” foods.

‘‘The original child got hungry four times a day. Mom would give them fruit, a sarmie, a carrot and water. Today kids grab a Coke, two mini-hamburgers, a packet of crisps and chocolate. Kids stand no chance but to get obese,” she said.

The South African Medical Research Council reported in 2012 that more than 17% of urban South African children between the ages of one and nine were overweight.

A recent UK survey found that high school girls who were obese scored lower in English, maths and science.

Educational psychologist Anel Annandale said obese children suffered from poor self-esteem.

‘‘Studies have revealed that normal-weight children rank their obese peers as the least desirable playmate in their class,” she said.

These children also suffered significantly higher levels of bullying and exclusion.

Annandale said complications from childhood obesity might result in absenteeism.

Johannesburg dietician Claire Julsing-Strydom, who also treats children with attention deficit disorder, said a drastic change in diet helped children with ADHD to concentrate at school.