Childhood obesity: 5 interesting facts and 5 amazingly simple solutions

It’s been slowly but steadily increasing and its now growing at an alarming rate! The number of children with pot bellies, tire tube sized waistlines and flabby arms is now frightening. From the shopping malls and cinemas to their schools and our neighborhoods too, we notice these children everywhere we go, whose children anyway? Wait a minute…they are our children! What are we doing about this?

I will share with you 5 interesting facts that should make you concerned about this issue and then we’ll look at 5 simple things can be done to curb this and make our children healthy!

5 facts you should know about childhood obesity

1.       The numbers are increasing!

In Africa and Nigeria, statistics are difficult to find, but it is estimated that 1 in 5 Nigerian children is overweight! I personally think it’s true. just take your time and look around you and come up with your own estimate and let’s share!

 

2.       It is caused by too much food, too little exercise and a bit of genetic interplay

There are two basic causes of childhood obesity. Too much intake of high calorie foods and too little burn off of energy…little or no exercise! So fat builds up. Also there are some genetic factors involved which cause some people to gain weight faster than others, yes. But the basic mechanism explained earlier still holds true.

3.       Obese kids have an increased risk of hypertension and diabetes later in life

Obese children have an increased risk to developing hypertension, and diabetes early in life due to the accumulated effects of high levels of cholesterol and other factors.

4.       Obese kids have increased risk of allergies, asthma, and bone issues also

It’s been shown that obese kids have an increased risk of developing allergies, rashes, acne, fungal infections and other skin disorders. They also have worse episodes of asthma, and then bone issues due to the increased weight bearing on growing bone.

5.       Obese children go through emotional stress more than others

Many of us can relate to this! From being called ‘fatty bum bum’ to being pushed and shoved! These children are subjected to emotional trauma at a tender age. They begin to develop low self-esteem, and encounter episodes of depression too.

  These are just a few facts I want to point out today. Childhood obesity is real; it’s dangerous and needs to be tackled by all concerned. This includes the family, the schools and teachers, and friends. it involves all of us.

Ok. Here’s a look at 5 simple solutions to help deal with childhood obesity

1.       Control your child’s diet; promote healthy eating

We said earlier that too much intake of unhealthy foods early on in life contributes significantly. So parents must learn to set limits early in a child’s life, teaching the child what to eat, limiting intake of sweets, cakes, junk foods etc. and developing a healthy appetite for fruits and vegetables alongside other family recipes.

2.       Increase exercise…more play!

To burn off the excess fat and weight, obese kids should exercise more i.e. play more…and they will be more than willing to do so! Today’s child is more of a couch potato watching cartoons on jimjam, Disney junior and all, with reduced outdoor play and exercise. This contributes to their gaining the kilos! So I say; more playtime please!

Please do ensure their safety while playing though and remember the homework too.

3.       Make the home environment ‘play friendly’

With rising housing costs and reduced space in our homes, we find that kids cannot play without bumping into objects and getting hurt or even running into us. Well in your little way ensure your child has exercise or play even while at home,;with toys, cycles, just increase the fun! it may also mean going out to parks and children recreation centers at weekends too.

4.       Ensure their schools are also ‘play friendly’

Schools are everywhere these days. I’ve seen schools without playgrounds and all round cemented floors. I believe that’s wrong and shouldn’t be. For a child's complete development; play is essential. So to parents I say, as you go for the school runs; take a good look at the school and play areas. Ask questions; is it adequate? Is it safe? please raise any concerns with the school authorities!

5.       Give your child total support!

Children get their self-image and worth primarily from what parents and guardians say to them. Their feelings about themselves come from your feelings about them which get expressed knowing or unknowingly. It’s important you talk to them about their weight, listen to their concerns and explain where possible. Never hesitate to seek professional medical advice when needed. Do not set them apart because of their weight; instead adjust the family’s physical activities and eating habits to assist in dealing with the issue.

One of the nicest things about children is they like to do as they are taught and if they are taught healthy habits early, it’s easier as life progresses. But if we allow our children to eat lots of junk food early on, and not get much exercise, sitting for hours and hours a day in front of the TV, those bad habits become a way of life and it becomes more difficult to drop them at age 10 or age 27, or much later, than in childhood.

So here we are! I believe we can have healthier children, healthier families and a greater society!

Cheers.

Dr Chika Ehiemere

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