On Wednesday 28th August the National Chronic Disease Unit hosted its Talking Chronic Diseases Radio Show with guests Dr. Indira Singh, Pediatrician; Mrs. Vernice Battick, Nutritionist; and Mrs. Hyacinth Bradley, Community Services Planner.
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and, with children going back to school, it was quite fitting to have the show centered on efforts to prevent childhood obesity. With increasing obesity rates we also see an increase in related health conditions such as heart disease, and Type 2 Diabetes. Not only are obese children at a higher risk to become obese adults – but the risk factors associated with weight are more likely to be severe. These children also have a higher risk of being the target of bullying, having lower self-esteem and potential depression and behavioral issues. The panel discussed risk factors of childhood obesity – with fast food consumption, sugary beverages, unhealthy snack foods, and lack of physical activity being among the main causes.
Increased fast food consumption has been linked with obesity in recent years. Many families, especially those with two parents working outside the home, opt for fast food restaurants as they are often favoured by their children and are both convenient and inexpensive. Foods served at such as restaurants tend to contain a high number of calories with low nutritional values.
Sugary drinks are another factor that has been examined as a potential contributing factor to obesity. Sugary drinks are often thought of as being limited to soda, but juice and other sweetened beverages fall into this category. Many studies have examined the link between sugary drink consumption and weight – and it has been continually found to be a contributing factor to being overweight.
Unhealthy snack foods include foods such as chips, baked goods and candy. Another factor that has been studied as a possible contributing factor of childhood obesity is the consumption of snack foods.
One of the factors that are most significantly linked to obesity is a sedentary lifestyle. Each additional hour of television per day increases the prevalence of obesity by 2%. Television viewing among young children and adolescents has increased dramatically in recent years. The increased amount of time spent in sedentary behaviors has decreased the amount of time spent in physical activity.
The panel used the opportunity to talk about the Fit Teen Programme: a multi-sectoral programme which uses exercise, nutritional guidance and counselling, healthcare evaluation and mentorship. The programme uses a holistic approach to health and has helped young persons to become physically active while learning about healthy and balanced eating. The programme is open to teens between the ages of 12-15. If you would like to enroll your child in the Fit Teen Programme please contact the National Chronic Disease Unit by calling 497-3930 and ask about it.
– Contributed
