Tackling childhood obesity: the growing health threat

Childhood obesity is a grow­ing concern in the world and Ghana is not exempted, and its consequences are far-reaching.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), describes Obesity as a chronic complex disease defined by excessive fat deposits that could impair health. Obesity could lead to increased risk of type two diabetes and heart disease, it could affect bone health and reproduc­tion, it increases the risk of certain cancers. Obesity influences the quality of living, such as sleeping or moving.

According to WHO, for children under five years of age, overweight is weight-for-height greater than two standard deviations above WHO Child Growth Standards median; and obesity is weight-for-height greater than three standard deviations above the WHO Child Growth Standards median.

Statistics

In 2022, WHO estimated 37 million children under the age of five years were overweight. Once considered a high-income coun­try problem, overweight is on the rise in low- and middle-income countries.

In Africa, the number of over­weight children under five years has increased by nearly 23 per cent since 2000. Almost half of the children under five years who were overweight or living with obesity in 2022 lived in Asia.

Over 390 million children and adolescents aged five to 19 years were overweight in 2022. The prevalence of overweight (in­cluding obesity) among children and adolescents aged five -19 has risen dramatically from just eight per cent in 1990 to 20 per cent in 2022.

The rise has occurred similarly among both boys and girls: in 2022 19 per cent of girls and 21 per cent of boys were overweight.

While just two per cent of chil­dren and adolescents aged five to 19 were obese in 1990 (31 million young people), by 2022, eight per cent of children and adolescents were living with obesity (160 mil­lion young people).

A research conducted in 2020 on childhood obesity and over­weight in Ghana revealed that that approximately 19 per cent of chil­dren in Ghana either have obesity or are overweight. The prevalence of childhood obesity and over­weight was 8.6 per cent and 10.7 per cent respectively

Dr Betty Banka, a Family Physi­cian and Adolescent Care Specialist at Greater Accra Regional Hospi­tal (GARH), expressed concerns about the rising rates of childhood obesity.

She emphasized that obesity is the “root of many evils,” stress­ing how it underpins numerous chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

She said lifestyle choices, espe­cially when it comes to diet and physical activity, play a crucial role in shaping the health of children.

“This trend has severe long-term implications. Children who are obese are more likely to remain obese into adulthood and face health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease,” she said.

Dr Banka’s warning is particular­ly timely. In Ghana, it is common for children to go to school with snack boxes filled with sugary drinks, pastries made from refined flour, and other processed foods.

She urged parents to rethink these choices, stressing that the consumption of such foods is not just unhealthy but harmful to chil­dren’s growth and development. “The act of feeding is killing our children,” she said, urging parents to switch from processed snacks to more natural, nutrient-rich options.

The root causes of obesity

Obesity is a complex issue, influenced by various factors beyond just overeating. Stress, the endocrine system, and metabolic disorders all play a role.

However, Dr Banka made it clear that while these factors are important, the primary driver of childhood obesity in Ghana remains poor lifestyle choices, especially the consumption of sugary, processed foods combined with lack of physical activity such as outdoor exercise.

Parents, she stressed, play a critical role. Many children are introduced to sugary drinks and junk food at an early age, setting the stage for unhealthy habits later in life.

Dr Banka expressed worry over how children these days spend their active time playing with their smartphones and screens.

“When children spend excessive time using smartphones without engaging in physical activities, it increases the risk of child obesity,” she said.

She said time spent on smart­phones or watching television often replace time that could be used for outdoor play, sports, or exercise, leading to lower levels of physical activity and a decrease in calorie burning.

“Prolonged sitting while using smartphones contributes to a sed­entary lifestyle, which is linked to weight gain and other health issues, including obesity,” she explained.

Dr Banka advised parents to avoid giving their children snacks like soft drinks and processed sweets and also allow their children to engage in physical activities.

“Parents should pack snack boxes with healthier options such as fruits and vegetables. “They can put apples or banana in their child’s snack pack,” she suggested, adding that locally available foods such as beans cakes (koose), soya milk, khebab, and smoothies are better alternatives.

Dr Banka said parents should also make time to prepare meals at home, despite their busy sched­ules, adding that meals prepared outside, particularly from street vendors, often contain unhealthy fats and additives.

“Preparing foods like fruit salads, soups, and vegetable blends at home ensures that children are getting the nutrients they need without the harmful preservatives found in processed foods,” she said

Why fruits and vegetables matter

Fruits and vegetables are es­sential for children’s growth and development.

Dr Banka emphasized that they are rich in vitamins and miner­als, which help prevent stunted growth, boost cognitive develop­ment, and protect children from diseases.

WHO recommends that both children and adults consume at least 400 grams of fruits and vege­tables per day to maintain a healthy diet and reduce the risk of obesity and related health conditions.

In addition to improving health, Dr Banka pointed out that incorporating more fruits and vegetables into the diet could save families money in the long run.

“Chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension require cost­ly treatment, and by preventing obesity early on, families can avoid these financial burdens,” she explained.

The importance of physical activity

Diet alone, however, is not enough, Dr Banka emphasized that physical activity is a critical com­ponent of preventing obesity. She advised parents to encourage their children to engage in daily physical activities, such as playing outside, running, or participating in sports.

The WHO recommends that children between the ages of five and 17 engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. This not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also strengthens muscles and bones, improves cardiovascular health, and reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG

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