South Africa is heading for a health disaster according to Dr Christa North, a dietician based in Randburg. Recent medical statistics said that 61 percent of South Africans are overweight or obese.
Dr North commented that “almost half the population is living in hunger or at risk of it and the rest are obese or at risk of developing poor lifestyle-related illnesses; we have both under and over nutrition.”
Obesity is the heavy accumulation of fat in the body to such a degree that it significantly increases one’s risk of diseases that can damage one’s health and reduce life expectancy.
“The fat may be equally distributed around the body or concentrated around the abdomen, hips and thighs,” she said.
A variety of food that include lean proteins, fruit and vegetables, milk products, whole grain starches and healthy fats such as plant oils are advisable to eat for healthy bodies.
According to Dr North, parents should set an example and avoid child obesity. They should eat healthy and exercise with their children. “Make nourishing your child a priority and that healthy foods are available in the house for snacking,” she said.
Parents should also limit TV / electronic / Ipad time, avoid sugary drinks at all costs, get enough sleep and never skip breakfast for better health for their kids.
“It [obesity] is not caused by external factors that can’t be controlled,” she said.
Obesity causes various other diseases such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, gallbladder disease, gallstones,osteoarthritis, gout, breathing problems, sleep apnea, asthma and depression.
“Prevention is of course better than cure,” she concluded.
Details: Dr Christa North 084 353 9798.
