Obesity

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71.     Childhood obesity is contributing to a worrying new global phenomenon – a sharp increase in the number of girls reaching puberty by 9 years of age – a trend doctors say, entails health and social problems. The researchers from the University of Michigan Health System have found that girls who are obese at the age of 3 are more likely to hit puberty around their 9^th birthday – in a study 80% of obese toddlers attained early puberty. One study by the Bristol University showed that one in every six girls reached puberty even before the age of eight! Children who face precocious (early) puberty are more prone to psychiatric disorders, are likely to start drinking and have sex at an earlier age, risking teenage pregnancies.

 Avoiding Childhood Obesity

72.     On the age of India’s 60^th Independence Day, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has asked all state governments to tell the schools to ban junk food and junk beverages, encourage students to a nutritious healthy diet and promote physical activity. Parents and caretakers should promote confidence and positive self-esteem in children as this is an important element in preventing them from the long term health risks of excessive weight. So you, the parents should set a healthful example for your children’s sake. You and your children must adapt lifestyles wisely to survive well. It is that basic!

73.     Healthy eating habits can only be inculcated at home. Parents should be role models and set an example by making the right nutrition choices such as eating high-fibre, low-fat, low-sugar foods (whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, sprouts etc.) and avoiding and not stocking energy-dense junk and processed foods and colas at home. Eating a healthy breakfast is a habit that will benefit you as well as children throughout life. Parents and children should eat at regular times, limit portions, not overeat and not battle over food.

74.     Children should be taught to prepare and cook healthy home-made foods at home and as an integral part of education at school, not an optional extra. They should be encouraged to taste different natural foods to get over “food newphobia” – an inbuilt reluctance in humans and animals to try new foods. Do not put a child on diet and avoid labeling him/her as fat and occasionally, let him/her eat fast food in moderation only. Focus on fitness rather than thinness is the mantra.