Childhood obesity continues to be a serious health issue around the world. It is an increasing condition associated with continuous obesity into adulthood and the development of comorbidities. According to World Health Organization (WHO), overweight and obese children are more likely to stay obese into adulthood and to develop non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. Obese children may also suffer from both short-term and long-term health consequences. The main cause of childhood obesity an increased intake of energy-dense foods that is high in fat and sugars; and decreased in physical activity.

The overweight children should not be put on a diet unless a physician supervises them for medical reasons. Additionally, since most young children's bodies are still growing and developing, losing weight is not a good strategy. A restrictive diet might not provide the minerals and energy necessary for healthy growth and development. The goal for the majority of very young children should be to retain their current weight as they develop normally in height. Healthy eating habits, frequent exercise, and a decrease in sedentary behavior are the most important methods for preventing obesity. These prevention methods are a component of a healthy lifestyle that should be taught to children from an early age.

Childhood obesity can be prevented by teaching the child about healthy eating habits and encouraging them to stay physically active. To achieve and maintain a healthy weight is not a shortcut to dietary change. It is all about a discipline that includes mindful eating and regular physical activity. Fortunately, preventing childhood obesity is simpler than preventing adult obesity, because the additional calories that children consume are smaller and may be corrected by tiny dietary changes such as switching water for sugary fruit juices or soda. So, let us all participate and be advocates in spreading the right information to our family and friends. Therefore, if we can conquer the space, we can conquer childhood Obesity!

//Chirel Rose B. Café – CMU On-the-Job Trainee

REFERENCES

World Health Organization (2021). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

Preventing Childhood Obesity: Tips for Parents. (n.d.). NewYorkState. Retrieved from https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/resources/obparnts.htm

Teo, A. (2021). Tips on How to Prevent Overweight and Obesity among Children. National Nutrition Council. Retrieved from https://nnc.gov.ph/regional-offices/mindanao/region-xi-davao-region/4989-tips-on-how-to-prevent-overweight-and-obesity-among-children

Harvard Public Health Magazine (2018). Obesity. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/magazine/magazine_article/obesity/