THE focus shifted to the youth during School Health Week, which took place from March 4 to 8.
Weigh-Less is now highlighting the importance of not only keeping children safe, but healthy too, by protecting them against the epidemic of obesity that is fast plaguing South Africa.
The World Health Organisation warns that global rates of obesity have reached epidemic proportions and according to the Medical Research Council of South Africa, more than 17 per cent of children between the ages of one and nine living in urban areas are overweight.
The cumulative causes
The causes of childhood weight gain are varied, with lifestyle factors certainly playing their part. “Environmental factors play an intertwined role with genetics to determine one’s shape and size,” said dietician and member of the Weigh-Less panel of experts Heidi Lobel.
“The last two decades have witnessed a 54 per cent increase in childhood obesity, which indicates that environmental factors are playing an increasing role. Increased dependence on fast foods and convenience foods is a major contributor. In addition, society’s advancement in technology has conditioned our children into a sedentary lifestyle,” said Heidi.
Our problematic perspective
Another issue research is finding is that parents simply don’t recognise their child’s overweight state. In South Africa, Weigh-Less conducted a study on its Facebook page where they asked respondents if they thought a nine-year-old girl of a certain weight and height was overweight. The results conveyed that 63 per cent of respondents said no, while 27 per cent weren’t sure and only 18 per cent recognised that she was at a risk.
Navigating the way forward
Experts agree that the best way forward is leading by example and employing long-term strategies.
DINNER: Learn how to cook speedy chicken and tomato stew
Here’s what parents need to do:
1. Deal with the psychology of the matter. “Overweight children often feel bombarded with negative messages from school, at parties and through the media. It’s imperative for parents to build self-esteem and body image to provide the tools for children to believe that they can achieve their goals,” said Heidi.
2. Limit TV time and encourage kids to participate in sports at school and/or introduce exercise-related activities, such as hiking, cycling or walking the dog, into family life.
3. Teach your child how to handle stress in a healthy way. Model the perfect example by keeping your own stress in check; stay organised, use relaxation techniques and prioritise your responsibilities.
4. Be a water advocate. Instead of buying sodas, sports drinks and juice boxes, consider having store-bought water on hand instead. Not only does this help in cutting down on the amount of sugar in your child’s diet, but it also keeps them hydrated.
5. Offer children a variety of nutritious foods to promote healthy behaviour and to motivate and enable weight loss. Similarly, teach children about the consequences of good and bad food choices.
YUMMY: Healthy golden crunchies.
Here are some Weigh-Less Teens- and Tweens-friendly recipes:
Golden Crunchies
Prep 10 min
Cook 35 min
Serves 15
1 cup cake flour
1½ cups rolled oats
2/3 cup Weigh-Less Spoon for Spoon Sugar Replacement
2/3 cup desiccated coconut
125 g butter
2 tbsp golden syrup
2 tbsp water
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
Combine the flour, oats, sugar replacement and coconut in a large bowl. Place the butter, syrup and water in a small pan and melt over a low heat. Remove from the stove and stir in the bicarbonate of soda. Pour butter mixture over oats and mix well. Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Spoon into a medium sized baking tin that has been coated with non-stick spray. Using the back of a spoon, press mixture evenly into pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in a 170 degrees celsius oven. Cut into pieces and leave to cool completely in pan. Serve.
Speedy Chicken and Tomato Stew
Prep 10 min
Cook 35 min
Serves 4
600 g chicken breast
20 ml Weigh-Less Extra Virgin Olive Oil
400 g mushrooms
½ tsp crushed garlic
1 tin Weigh-Less Canned Chopped Tomatoes
½ tsp dried herbs
Heat half the oil in a large pot and brown the chicken pieces. Transfer chicken to a plate and add the remaining oil to the pan, and fry the onions until golden. Add the garlic, tinned tomatoes and dried herbs, and simmer for 10 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan and leave to gently simmer for 15 minutes before serving.
Finally, it’s important to note that childhood obesity is a family problem. It’s essential for the whole family to adopt healthy eating and lifestyle habits. For more information, contact Weigh-Less on 0861 100 551 or visit www.weighless.co.za.
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