Childhood Obesity-facts and fiction

The serious health complications associated with obesity aren’t always a comfortable topic of conversation, but in the context of a worldwide obesity epidemic and rising obesity rates in South Africa; it’s become an important conversation to have - especially when it comes to our kids.

Fiction: It’s a first world problem

We’re tempted to think that childhood obesity is only relevant to first world countries, such as the United States. However, 2016’s Demographic Health Survey revealed that 13% of our children under the age of 5 are overweight, twice the global average. A further 14.2% of our primary school children are overweight and if our current obesity continues to increase at its current rate we’re in line to have 3.91 million overweight or obese school children by 2025. Clearly, the problem is right on our doorsteps.

Fiction: They’ll grow out of it

While it’s true that kids go through growth spurts; it’s important to not dismiss the issue of weight entirely. There is a normal ‘growth spurt’ between the ages of 5 and 7, known as the adiposity rebound, but an increase in body weight before this period has been linked to an increase in risk of obesity later in life. We need to be paying attention to our children’s weight now in order for us to take care of them in the future.

Obesity in children has been linked to an increased risk of developing diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as asthma and sleep disorders during adulthood. Social and emotional complications such as low self-esteem, behaviour and learning problems and depression are also common to children who are overweight.

Fact: We can’t only consider weight​

We can’t examine weight in isolation; the height of a child is an important component of determining what a healthy weight is. As with an adult, BMI (body mass index) is a measure of weight in relation to height and is used to classify obesity or being overweight. However, unlike adults, there is not one defined range for all ages that is used to classify obesity. In childhood, BMI’s are assessed according to a growth chart (much like the one that is used as to monitor weight as an infant) that measures BMI in relation to age. This is what is used to classify whether a child is overweight or obese.

Fiction: It’s only in our genes

Genetic factors play a considerable role in the development of childhood obesity; however, environmental factors such as family food intake, exercise and leisure activities also play a significant part. It’s important to remember that children inherit their parents’ habits as well as their genes. Add this to the ‘obesogenic’ era, where children grow up constantly exposed to an abundance of unhealthy, energy dense foods, increasing levels of inactivity and time spent behind TV screens, and it becomes impossible to pin the development of obesity to a single cause such as genetics.

Fact: Eating breakfast helps to manage weight

We've all been told about the importance of breakfast and whether we like it or not, this is true. Apart from all its benefits, like boosting academic performance and concentration levels, kids that eat a good breakfast daily are less likely to be overweight. And remember, sugar packed cereals don’t count as a wholesome start to the day. Include high fibre grains like oats, a slice of whole-wheat bread and an egg or some yoghurt, fruit and high fibre cereal like bran flakes.

Fact: You really should eat your greens

Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet for all ages. They’re high in nutrients, high in fibre and have a low energy density, which is helpful to fill up tummies without adding lots of extra calories to a meal. Vegetables should be added to every meal and both fruits and veggies are great snacks.

Fact: Mealtime matters

Children who eat together with other members of their family have a reduced risk of being overweight or obese. Prioritising meals as part of your family’s daily routine, switching off the TV and having structured meal times all help teach children the value of food and family.

Fiction: You should always finish what’s on your plate

The traditional approach of forcing children to finish what’s on their plate can be dangerous in the development of obesity. Parents should allow children to self-regulate their food intake; allowing them to stop eating when they’re full. A variety of studies have demonstrated a child’s ability to self-regulate their own intake and so avoid overeating. Kids should be able to serve for themselves, with parents supervising and deciding on which foods to include in a meal.

Fact: Snacks and sugars make a difference

Pay attention to the snacks you’re sending to school as regular intake of energy dense snacks, like chocolates and chips, have been linked to the development of childhood obesity. It’s not difficult to see why; as a small chocolate muffin contributes about 22% of a 4-year-old boy’s total daily energy requirements and 2 Romany Creams contribute 10% of a 5-year-old girl’s intake. Sugary drinks, like Fanta and other fizzy drinks, contribute to very high energy intakes with 1 can of coke nearly a third of a 6-year-old boy’s total energy need for the day. Healthy snacks such as fruit and yogurt, chopped vegetables and cheese or even a peanut butter sandwich are all better options in terms of energy content because they’re full of the healthy stuff.

Fact: It’s a family affair

Dietary and lifestyle changes are never easy, especially when we’re making them a long term aim. A supportive environment, where children do not feel isolated or stigmatised because of their weight or dietary changes, is only possible if the commitment to healthy eating is made by the family and for the whole family. Ultimately, you’ll all reap the rewards.

If you’re concerned about your child’s weight or diet or have any questions, feel free to contact me.