According to a study by a South African Medical Journal the majority of female pupils are fat, eat junk and do not exercise.
Schools are also feeding pupils junk food which contributes to their body fat.
The study warns that the increase in body fat increases the risk of chronic diseases such diabetes and hypertension.
It acknowledges obesity and being overweight among female adolescents as a global health problem.
It found that in developing countries like South Africa, the increase is associated with urbanisation (the increasing number of people that migrate from rural to urban areas)and adoption of a Western lifestyle.
The two obvious causes of increased body fat in school girls is probably a decreased in physical activity and an increased consumption of energy.
According to the study which is focused on 56 black girls between the ages of 13 and 19, it found that pupils eat snacks such as sweets and biscuits at least seven times a week, and drink soft drink at least six times a week.
Out of the 56 girls, the study found 12,5% were overweight and 3,6% were obese.
Four years ago the department of Education and Sports signed a memorandum of understanding to include physical education and sport participation in schools but many of them still do not enjoy the privilege.
Contributing factors to childhood obesity:
· The food served or given to pupils in schools. The meals are prepared at the school and the menu is often determined by what is available, rather than what contributes a healthy diet for pupils.
· The food sold at the school tuck shop, which many entrepreneurs use it as an opportunity to increase income.
