National Childhood Obesity Week
By Monica Hussey
National Childhood Obesity Week is celebrated for a week, from the first Monday in July to Sunday. Its purpose is to inform the public about the dangers of childhood obesity, its effects on a child and society’s health, and to look for means to help fight the challenges. Parents and schools are the primary targets of the campaign, receiving helpful information on how to control what children eat and their activities.
In 2024, an estimated 35 million children under the age of 5 years were overweight. Once considered a high-income country problem, overweight is on the rise in low- and middle-income countries. Overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and more likely to develop non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age.
Here is some more helpful information:
Causes of Childhood Obesity
Dietary Factors: fast food consumption, sugary beverages, snack foods, and portion sizes
Environmental Factors: In the past, the majority of children walked or rode their bikes to school. However, the majority now get driven to school due to their homes being too far away from the school, the absence of a safe walking route, fear of child predators, and convenience for the child.
Genetic Factors: Genetics is one of the biggest factors examined as a cause of obesity. Some studies have found that BMI is 25–40% heritable. However, genetic susceptibility often needs to be combined with contributing environmental and behavioral factors to affect weight.
Low Physical Activity and Increased Screen Time: One of the factors most significantly linked to obesity is a sedentary lifestyle. Each additional hour of television per day increased the prevalence of obesity by 2%.
Effects of Childhood Obesity
Physical Health: Metabolic Syndrome, Sleep Apnea, Chronic Kidney Disease, Heart Problems, Joint Problems, Hypertension, and Eating Disorders, among others. Until recently, many of these health conditions had only been found in adults; now, they are extremely prevalent in obese children.
Emotional Well-being: Depression, mood swings, low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction. Obesity has been described as being “one of the most stigmatizing and least socially acceptable conditions in childhood.”
Social Well-being: Children who are overweight tend to have fewer friends than their normal-weight peers, resulting in less social interaction and play, as well as more time spent on sedentary activities. They also appear to have academic consequences. A research study concluded that overweight and obese children were four times more likely to report having problems at school than their normal-weight peers. They are also more likely to miss school more frequently, especially those with chronic health conditions.
Ways to Control Childhood Obesity
Encourage physical activity
Limit screen time
Ensure adequate sleep
Promote intake of fruits and vegetables
Avoid sugary and ultra-processed food items
Avoid mental stress