Obesity in children

The rate of overweight and obesity in children in developed and developing countries is frightening. Overweight rates are as high as 15 per cent and obesity is up to 10 per cent in some respects. Causes of overweight and obesity are multifactorial, with genetics playing a small role and the environment the major influence.

Factors such as feeding options and activity options are major contributors. The choice of exclusive breastfeeding on demand can successfully reduce the risk of overweight in children, as breast milk is ideally suited for the human infant in composition, calories and nutrient.

It is important to start complementing breast milk with foods from the family pot at six months, and as these foods are increased and breast milk reduced, the child continues to grow and develop. It is at this period for many children that inappropriate feeding starts with excess juices, milk drinks and inappropriate empty calorie snacks, leading to poor orientations to foods from the six Caribbean food groups and a negative relationship with family foods. Many parents depend on support to feed children as they are at work, and problems of overfeeding and inappropriate feeding can also occur, as it takes patience and tolerance in feeding at this stage of the child's development.

Beware of pre-packaged foods

There are many conveniently prepared and pre-prepared foods on the market, which are also economically priced and these are offered to children as meals most days of the week. Most of these food items are very high in calories and in additives such as fat, sugars and sodium and low in fibre. Many parents are of the belief that these food items are okay as a regular part of their children's diet. Because these items are low in fibre, children often consume large portions to curb hunger.

Many parents do not prepare meals at home during the week but rely on convenient options as well as purchasing a prepared meal to take home. Meals prepared for commercial sale will be very high in fat and sodium as these ingredients increase flavour and the business' bottomline, but have no place as a regular part of a child's diet.

Let them play

Children's daily activity level is also inadequate, both at home and at school. Play, in addition to building social skills, will reduce the risk of overweight and obesity.

Reduce the heritage of overweight and obesity and the chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancers that are associated with it, by making healthier feeding choices for your children.

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.