Protect your child from obesity

The focus will shift to the youth for the month of March, kicking of with a School Health Week from 4 to 8 March.

The importance of protecting your child from the epidemic of obesity plaguing South Africa will be highlighted during this week.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) the global rates of obesity have reached epidemic proportions, and our children haven’t been spared. The Medical Research Council of South Africa stated that more than 17 per cent of children between the ages of one and nine years old that live in urban areas are overweight.

The causes of childhood weight gain are varied, with lifestyle factors certainly playing their part. Although genetics do determine one’s shape and size, it has been found that weight is intertwined with environmental factors, such as increased dependence on fast foods and convenience foods as well as society’s advancement in technology. “The last two decades have witnessed a 54 per cent increase in childhood obesity, which indicates that environmental factors are playing an increasing role. Technology has also conditioned our children into a sedentary lifestyle,” said Heidi Lobel, dietitian and member of the Weigh-Less panel of experts.

Another issue raised by researchers is that parents simply do not recognise their child’s overweight state. Weigh-Less conducted a Facebook study, where the question was asked if a nine-year-old girl of a certain weight and height was overweight. The results showed that 63 per cent of respondents said “No”, 27 per cent weren’t sure and only 18 per cent recognised she was, in fact, at risk.

Experts agree that the best way forward is leading by example and employing long-term strategies. Here are some tips for parents:

– Deal with the psychology of the matter, by providing the tools for children to believe they can achieve their goals. Counter the negative messages they are bombarded with by building their self-esteem and body image.

– Limit the time spent in front of the television, computer and on cellphones. Encourage them to participate in sport at school or introduce exercise-related activities such as hiking, cycling or walking the dog into family life.

– Teach your child how to handle stress in a healthy way by being a good example. Keep your own stress in check, stay organised, use relaxation techniques and prioritise your responsibilities.

– Be a water advocate by limiting their intake of sugary drinks. Instead of buying a juice, soda or sport drink, offer a store-bought water instead. It will keep them healthy and hydrated.

– Offer them a variety of nutritious foods to promote healthy behaviour and to motivate and enable weight loss. Teach them about the consequences of good and bad food choices.

It is important to remember that childhood obesity is a family problem. It is essential for the whole family to adopt healthy eating and lifestyle habits, as children learn a great deal from their environment.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

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