How to prevent childhood obesity: risks and advice to take care of children’s health

In Argentina, the 12.6% of children under five are overweight and the 16.9% of children and adolescents between five and nineteen years suffer from obesity. These figures place our country among the nations with the highest index of eating disorders in the region.

The data collected in the Second National Survey of Nutrition and Health (ENNYS 2) carried out in 2019 are worrisome. 41.1% of children and adolescents between 5 and 17 years have overweight or obesity. According to the global projections made by the World Obesity Federation, the number of children affected by this disease will double by 2035.

Causes and risks of childhood obesity

The causes of this problem are related to bad eating habits: Children and young people consume ultraprocessed foods with high sugar, salt and fat content. On the other hand, the consumption of fruits and vegetables is scarce. The combo is completed with little or no physical activity and much sedentary lifestyle.

Child obesity can not only lead to other diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea, but also affects the emotional health of children who can be victims of Bullying.

Obesity in children: how to achieve adequate food

Salaberri DoloresGrupo L Nutritionist -company that provides food services to different schools in our country -explains that the pillars of healthy eating for children “are based on guaranteeing adequate growth and development, promoting habits that last over time.”

Recommendations of a nutrition specialist:

• Include food from all groups, fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, legumesetc in adequate proportions. “This ensures an optimal contribution of micro and macro nutrients, and sufficient contribution of calories for growth according to age,” he said.

• Incul healthy eating habits that will put into practice throughout their lives. For this, “an integral approach is required that combines education, AVAILABILITY OF APPROPRIATE FOODS to each age range and a favorable environment ”.

• Teaching with the example: “Children learn by observing, eating healthy is the best way to positively influence.” Group L nutritionist advises Turn off the devices – TV, Tablet, Cell- during meals because “it affects the signs of hunger, satiety and regulation in the intake of food.”

• Have nutritional options at hand that facilitate healthy choices and Eliminate as possible ultraprocessed foods. It is also important to maintain Regular food schedules To achieve better appetite control.

• Start the day with A good breakfast “It is essential in child food since it influences growth, cognitive development and school performance.” Must include Complex carbohydrates as whole wheat bread, oats, sugarless cereals, protein contributed by dairy or nuts, healthy fats through avocado, nuts, or seeds, and fruits and vegetables that provide fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Food: How to replace the ultraprocessed?

The specialist advised some options to replace ultraprocessed:

• Fresh seasonal fruits that can be accompanied with natural yogurt
• Dips of Carrot, Cucumber, Celery with Humus or Untable Cheese
• Pochoclo prepared at home with corn and vegetable oil
• Dehydrated fruits
• Natural yogurt with oats or nuts
• Oat cookies, whole wheat or almonds
• Sunflower or toasted pumpkin seeds

Finally, Salabarri takes up the idea of ​​preaching with the example to get minors to eat more fruits. “It can be a great challenge but with some adequate strategies you can encourage consumption naturally. If children see adults enjoying when eating some fruit it is likely that they do it too,” The specialist concluded.