Obesity In Children On The Rise

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Diet & Fitness

Sunday, 11 January 2009 04:56

By Debbie Francis

"Globally, we are seeing an increase in overweight and obesity in children, and it is easier to prevent these conditions than to correct them." That's according to Chief Nutritionist in the Ministry of Health Juanita James, during an exclusive interview with Caribarena.

She explained that the factors used to determine obesity in children are their age, sex and height. James said "nowadays, there is the notion that you shouldn't call children obese.   Being 'at risk of overweight' is considered to be a better term."

 

But the chief nutritionist said whichever way you look at it, when a child is not considered to be in a healthy weight range based on his/her height, age and sex, there is cause for concern.

James noted that a few years ago, a survey was done among a group of secondary school students during which they were weighed and measured.

That study revealed that about 19 percent of those students chosen for the survey were either overweight or obese. This exercise was undertaken by the Ministry of Health, CFNI/PAHO and Brescia University of Western Ontario.

An evaluation of their eating habits noted that most consumed foods high in calories and sugars, like sodas, French fries, ice pops and hot dogs. The study also found that they hardly ate breakfast, and knowledge on the importance of a healthy diet was lacking.

"It was found that the students don't eat enough fruits and vegetables, drink enough water or exercise enough," James said.

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A few years ago, an educational booklet titled Lessons in Nutrition for Good Health was developed and piloted in three schools. Although the project did not have as wide a span as they would have liked, the teachers used the publication to increase awareness about the relationship between nutrition and good health. The students were also encouraged to keep a 30-day diary on their daily food choices and physical activities.

James noted, "Even though we from the Ministry of Health go to the schools and do interventions, the students, parents and teachers need to get on board to keep programmes ongoing to promote behavioural changes."

The registered dietician, who has a Master's Degree in Public Health and a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition said, "The eating environment has changed, fast food is appealing to children - it's easy to get and the taste is a driving factor in what they choose to eat."

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