Latest news with #childobesity
Arab News
14-07-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Opinion: Tackling childhood obesity starts at home
DHAHRAN: Here, Dr. Hanan Al-Shaikh discusses child obesity in a mini opinion piece for Arab News. Al-Shaikh is chair of the Women and Children's Health Department at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare in Saudi Arabia. The received wisdom about the causes of obesity is that genetics has the strongest influence. This seems to provide comfort to parents of large children: It's not my fault; it's written in their DNA. This is nonsense. Children are not born obese; obesity is induced by their environment. Yes, a child's genetics can make them more susceptible to overeating, but are they the ones buying the food and cooking the meals? Sorry, parents, but it is time to take responsibility for your children's waistlines. You and you alone have the strongest influence on whether your children become overweight or obese. You choose what they eat and determine how much they exercise. Your own choices around diet and physical exertion set the example they will follow. A recent forecast published in leading medical journal The Lancet suggests that Saudi Arabia will have one of the highest child obesity rates in the world by 2050. Separate research suggests that obesity costs the country almost $227 billion a year. It is human nature to seek excuses for big problems by focusing on factors outside of one's control. Yes, genetics plays a role in obesity. No, we cannot stop our children from seeing billboards advertising fried chicken buckets. Yes, the heat makes it harder to exercise outdoors for many months of the year. It is also human nature to confer responsibility for big problems on others, particularly the state. The government needs to crack down on fast food advertising, encourage schools to raise physical activity levels, and so on. These things may be true. But most of us retain the absolute power to choose what we eat and how much we exercise – even if we pretend we do not – and many factors are well within our control. One of these is the role that parents have in teaching their children how to eat and exercise in their earliest years. Nothing influences a young child more than the actions of their parents, and roughly speaking, the first seven years of a child's life are crucial for instilling lifelong habits for healthy eating and exercise. Once a child becomes overweight or obese, it is incredibly hard for them to shed the weight. Some obese children may need surgery; most will need months, if not years, of treatment. The burden on the child, the parents, and the healthcare system is huge. Prevention rather than intervention is key. Sadly, some kids who visit the paediatric wellness clinic at our hospital tell us they get as many as eight hours of screen time per day, eat chocolate and popcorn for lunch, and drink more than a can of soda daily. These are terrible habits that will almost certainly cross over into their adult lives. It is time for parents to stop blaming influences outside their control and, instead, play a leading role in the fight against child obesity.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
8 ways to manage your child's weight as first 1,000 days of life found to be critical
Experts have warned that child obesity has risen to "alarming" levels and are calling for action to prevent unhealthy lifestyles setting in among babies and toddlers. The first 1,000 days of a child's life – from pregnancy through to their second birthday – are paramount when it comes to their health trajectory, the experts stated, and this period is "critical to development and health across the life-course." From their observations, academics at the UK Academy of Medical Sciences and the Italian National Academy of Sciences also noted how difficult it was to change that trajectory once a child reaches five years of age. "The overall goal should be to establish and maintain a healthy body-weight trajectory that avoids excess gain early in life," they said. It comes after another study earlier this year, which also warned that being overweight as a child could double the risk of being obese as an adult. The research, which tracked the body mass index (BMI) of thousands of children in the Netherlands, not only found that the first five years of a child's life are vital in preventing excess weight gain in the future, but also that the BMI of six-year-olds was the most reliable indicator of obesity later on in life. More than a quarter of children (26.8%) aged two to 15 are overweight or obese in England, according to government figures. Experts have suggested the number of obese children and adults in the UK will rise substantially by 2050, with kids aged five to 14 bearing the brunt. Girls in this age group will see a 53% rise in obesity levels, per the global analysis, and boys a 57% rise. So, what can parents do at home to help reduce the risk of obesity in their children? Mindful eating techniques, such as eating more slowly, have been proven to help children and adults digest their food properly. They also improve nutrients absorption and promote healthier relationships with food, encouraging a better appreciation of food, and helping people establish when they are full. Other mindful eating techniques for children include: Limiting distractions while they eat Asking for hunger cues before, during and after they eat Engaging all fives senses when they eat Discussing how different foods impact their mood, feelings and productivity Studies have shown that snacking is more prevalent among those who are obese, but grazing can have other implications. Of course it depends on what your child is eating and how often they are picking, but snacking also affects their appetite and often includes ultra-processed foods, which can be harmful in other ways. Alarmingly, a recent study by UCL published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that nearly half (47%) of the calories obtained by toddlers in the UK are from UPFs and 59% of calories obtained by those aged seven are derived from UPFs. Portion size is also key. Children should not be eating adult-sized meals. So, as well as reducing the amount of food you are giving them, assess the crockery you are using – smaller plates will help you establish child-appropriate servings. Your little one may have an aversion to broccoli or Brussels sprouts, but there are smarter ways to incorporate veggies into their diets that don't involve mealtime meltdowns. For example, nutritionist Emily English (known as Em the Nutritionist online) has a viral five-a-day lasagne that involves mincing mushrooms, celery and other vegetables into a pulse, to add to the meat (optional). You cannot taste the individual vegetables disguised in the dish, but they add goodness and mean your whole family is benefiting from a healthier meal. Just as we cannot expect our kids to put their phones and tablets down if we're forever glued to our screens, we cannot expect them to eat healthily and adopt positive lifestyle changes if we're not leading by example. So, as well as ensuring the entire family is sticking to a healthy, balanced diet, be mindful of how you discuss food and exercise around them. Speaking of exercise, a great way to get your kids going is to adopt more active approaches as a family. Whether it's weekend walks, daily runs to the park with the dog or team sports – adding regular exercise to their week can really go a long way. Setting strict bedtimes and establishing a nighttime routine is beneficial. Not only does good quality sleep help bolster their mood and productivity, it can impact their weight and overall health. Discuss with your child realistic targets for them – and your whole family – to achieve, and ensure you reward positive behaviour and give encouraging feedback as they go. With both diet and exercise, the main thing is consistency – in terms of what you eat and do, how often you do it, and when you do it. Sticking to the same mealtimes, having designated exercise slots and creating consistent portions and meal types will help establish healthy habits – both in the short- and long-term. Read more about children's health and parenting Seven signs your child could be struggling with their mental health (Yahoo Life UK) How to spot anxiety in your child and how to help them (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read) Six things parents should know about Sabrina Carpenter's Short N' Sweet tour (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read)
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
8 ways to manage your child's weight as first 1,000 days of life found to be critical
Experts have warned that child obesity has risen to "alarming" levels and are calling for action to prevent unhealthy lifestyles setting in among babies and toddlers. The first 1,000 days of a child's life – from pregnancy through to their second birthday – are paramount when it comes to their health trajectory, the experts stated, and this period is "critical to development and health across the life-course." From their observations, academics at the UK Academy of Medical Sciences and the Italian National Academy of Sciences also noted how difficult it was to change that trajectory once a child reaches five years of age. "The overall goal should be to establish and maintain a healthy body-weight trajectory that avoids excess gain early in life," they said. It comes after another study earlier this year, which also warned that being overweight as a child could double the risk of being obese as an adult. The research, which tracked the body mass index (BMI) of thousands of children in the Netherlands, not only found that the first five years of a child's life are vital in preventing excess weight gain in the future, but also that the BMI of six-year-olds was the most reliable indicator of obesity later on in life. More than a quarter of children (26.8%) aged two to 15 are overweight or obese in England, according to government figures. Experts have suggested the number of obese children and adults in the UK will rise substantially by 2050, with kids aged five to 14 bearing the brunt. Girls in this age group will see a 53% rise in obesity levels, per the global analysis, and boys a 57% rise. So, what can parents do at home to help reduce the risk of obesity in their children? Mindful eating techniques, such as eating more slowly, have been proven to help children and adults digest their food properly. They also improve nutrients absorption and promote healthier relationships with food, encouraging a better appreciation of food, and helping people establish when they are full. Other mindful eating techniques for children include: Limiting distractions while they eat Asking for hunger cues before, during and after they eat Engaging all fives senses when they eat Discussing how different foods impact their mood, feelings and productivity Studies have shown that snacking is more prevalent among those who are obese, but grazing can have other implications. Of course it depends on what your child is eating and how often they are picking, but snacking also affects their appetite and often includes ultra-processed foods, which can be harmful in other ways. Alarmingly, a recent study by UCL published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that nearly half (47%) of the calories obtained by toddlers in the UK are from UPFs and 59% of calories obtained by those aged seven are derived from UPFs. Portion size is also key. Children should not be eating adult-sized meals. So, as well as reducing the amount of food you are giving them, assess the crockery you are using – smaller plates will help you establish child-appropriate servings. Your little one may have an aversion to broccoli or Brussels sprouts, but there are smarter ways to incorporate veggies into their diets that don't involve mealtime meltdowns. For example, nutritionist Emily English (known as Em the Nutritionist online) has a viral five-a-day lasagne that involves mincing mushrooms, celery and other vegetables into a pulse, to add to the meat (optional). You cannot taste the individual vegetables disguised in the dish, but they add goodness and mean your whole family is benefiting from a healthier meal. Just as we cannot expect our kids to put their phones and tablets down if we're forever glued to our screens, we cannot expect them to eat healthily and adopt positive lifestyle changes if we're not leading by example. So, as well as ensuring the entire family is sticking to a healthy, balanced diet, be mindful of how you discuss food and exercise around them. Speaking of exercise, a great way to get your kids going is to adopt more active approaches as a family. Whether it's weekend walks, daily runs to the park with the dog or team sports – adding regular exercise to their week can really go a long way. Setting strict bedtimes and establishing a nighttime routine is beneficial. Not only does good quality sleep help bolster their mood and productivity, it can impact their weight and overall health. Discuss with your child realistic targets for them – and your whole family – to achieve, and ensure you reward positive behaviour and give encouraging feedback as they go. With both diet and exercise, the main thing is consistency – in terms of what you eat and do, how often you do it, and when you do it. Sticking to the same mealtimes, having designated exercise slots and creating consistent portions and meal types will help establish healthy habits – both in the short- and long-term. Read more about children's health and parenting Seven signs your child could be struggling with their mental health (Yahoo Life UK) How to spot anxiety in your child and how to help them (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read) Six things parents should know about Sabrina Carpenter's Short N' Sweet tour (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read)
The Guardian
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Majority of children will be overweight or obese in nine areas of England by 2035, study shows
The majority of children will be overweight or obese in nine areas of England by 2035, according to 'deeply concerning' projections showing child obesity rates are set to worsen across 90% of the country. More than a third of primary school children (36%) are already overweight or obese, figures from the government's national child measurement programme show. Modelling by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), seen by the Guardian, predicts the proportion of year 6 pupils affected will increase to four in 10 (41%) by 2034-35. In total, rates of overweight or obese children will rise in 136 of 151 local authority areas (90%) in the next decade, the analysis suggests. And for the first time since records began, rates are projected to top 50% in nine council areas, which means there will be more overweight or obese 10- and 11-year-olds in those areas than not. They are Blackpool (54%), Knowsley (52%), Sandwell (52%), Barking and Dagenham (52%), Wolverhampton (51%), Walsall (51%), Newham (51%), Luton (50%) and Nottingham (50%). In an interview with the Guardian, William Roberts, the chief executive of the RSPH, said the causes of the crisis were 'wide-ranging' but junk food and low levels of activity were 'major factors'. 'Obesity in childhood leads to several complex health problems that can last a lifetime,' he said. 'These include diabetes, high blood pressure, certain types of cancer and poor mental health. Making it easier for children to move around and eat healthily is a key part of preventing this.' Roberts, who previously held senior roles in the NHS, said: 'As a nation we're failing the test on childhood obesity. Our projections show that we are heading in the wrong direction on obesity, with children in some of the most deprived areas set to be worst affected.' The latest data from the government's national child measurement programme, which covers mainstream state-maintained schools, shows the percentage of children leaving primary school in England overweight or obese was 36% in 2023-24. A report by the RSPH, due to be published this week and seen by the Guardian, analysed data from the programme going back to 2009-10, when the figure was 33%. The RSPH projects the rate will increase to 39% by 2029-30 and climb to 41% by 2034-35. The 18-page report, Playground Rules, calls on the government to encourage greater levels of physical activity in schools, which it argues is key to curbing child obesity. However, Katharine Jenner, the director of the Obesity Health Alliance, said ministers must also bring in reforms 'to fix the commercial food system that is causing soaring rates of childhood ill-health'. She added: 'This is a national issue, but the impact is felt locally – by families, schools and already stretched health services. With over a third of our children, in some areas up to a half, projected to be overweight or living with obesity in the coming years, we're facing longer NHS waiting lists and a generation of children too unwell to run, play or thrive.' Blackpool is not only projected to have the highest proportion of overweight or obese children in England by 2034-35, but is also predicted to have the largest rise in rates over the next decade, according to the analysis. Chris Webb, the Labour MP for Blackpool South, said: 'These projections from the RSPH are deeply concerning – but they don't have to be our future. With the right action and investment, we can turn the tide on child obesity and build a healthier Blackpool.' Webb said the country's 'broken food system' was to blame. Local initiatives like Grow Blackpool, a food growing project in the town's largest housing estate, Grange Park, could help, he said. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion The project enables people to access healthy, cheap food with a local, sustainable food system that tackles both obesity and poverty, Webb said. 'The link between poverty and poor health is undeniable, so this government's work to address deep-rooted deprivation is vital,' he added. However, Cathy Cliff, the campaigns coordinator of the Soil Association, said child obesity rates were increasing because successive governments had failed to regulate ultra-processed food (UPF) companies. In May, a Guardian investigation revealed how Rishi Sunak's government dropped legal guidance urging retailers to offer deals on healthy food after a secret lobbying campaign by UPF firms. Five days later, the Guardian reported how Keir Starmer's government was delaying the launch of a ban on junk food adverts targeting children until 2026, sparking outrage among health campaigners. 'The UK government must use the upcoming food strategy to regulate and tax the unhealthiest foods and make it genuinely easy for everyone to enjoy a minimally processed diet,' said Cliff. David Fothergill, the chair of the community wellbeing board of the Local Government Association, which represents local authorities, said the RSPH projections were 'stark' and highlighted a 'ticking health timebomb'. 'To effectively tackle obesity, councils need funding to provide targeted support to those who need it the most,' he said. 'Money raised from the soft drinks industry levy should also be reinvested in other council-run programmes, including healthy eating programmes and active play and physical exercise schemes.' The government said it was determined to give every child the best start in life. 'That is why we are acting quickly with experts across the sector to revise the school food standards, so every school is supported with the latest nutrition guidance,' a spokesperson added. 'We are also considering how best to build physical activity into the lives of children and adults as part of our mission to boost the nation's health.'
Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Ministers ‘caving in to food industry' after delaying junk food ads ban
Ministers have delayed plans to ban TV adverts for junk foods before 9pm. Campaigners accused the Government of 'caving in to industry pressure' saying the delays were 'the result of a coordinated attack by companies selling the unhealthiest food and drinks and the advertising industry – all working to weaken the policy and delay action'. The Government had pledged to stop advertisements for products high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) being shown on screen while children were likely to be watching, with rules coming into force in October 2025. But the date has been pushed back after complaints from retailers and confusion over how guidelines would be enforced. The restrictions will now legally take effect on Jan 5. A government spokesman said: 'Obesity robs children of the best start in life and sets them up for a lifetime of health problems, which costs the NHS billions. 'We have secured a unique and public commitment from advertisers and broadcasters so that from Oct 1 2025, adverts for identifiable less healthy products will not be shown on TV before 9pm or at any time online, and this will be a legal duty from January 2026. 'The junk food advertising restrictions on TV and online are a crucial part of our plan for change to raise the healthiest generation of children ever. By reducing children's exposure to junk food advertising, we will remove up to 7.2 billion calories from UK children's diets each year.' It is understood that a four-month pause will allow the Department of Health and the Advertising Standards Authority to work on a clearer interpretation of the restrictions. Earlier in 2025 Archie Norman, the M&S chairman, said the Government's new HFSS advertising rules 'probably mean we can't run a Christmas ad' because many festive foods would not adhere to HFSS guidelines. Retailers bringing in ban However, many retailers, including major grocers, have already committed to introduce a ban from Oct 1. ITV, Channel 4, the Advertising Association and the British Retail Consortium have also said they will comply with the restrictions from then. An Advertising Standards Authority spokesman said: 'The Government has set out its intention to bring in amending legislation to push back the implementation date on LHF [less healthy food and drink] ad restrictions and to consult on changing the law on brand exemption. 'We recognise the importance of this issue for a range of stakeholders. Therefore, together with Ofcom, we will now carefully assess what this means for the process to develop and implement the rules and guidance and will provide a further update as soon as possible.' Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, said: 'This Government committed in its manifesto and via the King's Speech to ending junk food ads targeting children. But just like its predecessor, it appears to be caving to industry pressure and delaying the implementation of these long-overdue restrictions. 'We're seeing the result of a coordinated attack by companies selling the unhealthiest food and drinks and the advertising industry – all working to weaken the policy and delay action. 'The Government insists that this decision is not abandoning their commitments on children's health, it's just cleaning up a technical issue. It is now up to them to prove that's true by implementing the evidence-based policies to make it easier for everyone to eat healthily.' Talks about a ban began six years ago and a proposal was first announced in June 2021 by Boris Johnson, then prime minister. Sonia Pombo, head of impact and research at Action on Salt, said: 'The Government continues to cave to the food industry's every whim and it is beyond disappointing, yet not surprising. We saw it with the previous government, and we are seeing it now. 'It should not take six years to implement a policy, and this news raises genuine questions as to where the Government's commitment really lies. Their promise to raise the healthiest generation of children in history seems to be as full of holes as their policies.' John Maingay, director of policy at the British Heart Foundation, said: 'It is deeply disappointing that industry pressure has caused yet another delay to vital junk food marketing restrictions being implemented in full. 'It has been three years since the legislation was passed when technical issues around the guidance could and should have been resolved. 'Government must now hold firm in their commitment to protecting child health. We urge them to find a solution that honours their manifesto aim of ending the advertising of junk food to children.' Concerns have been raised by retailers and broadcasters about the impact of the ban. Ministers are preparing to amend legislation to ensure brand-only advertising, which does not show specific HFSS products, is not caught under the rules. In April, the Government reassured businesses that pure brand messages are not 'in scope' of the upcoming ban. However, health campaigners have pointed out that ads which show brand, but not food content, are just as likely to encourage children to eat more. Junk food promotion Also in April a British study found that five minutes of junk food promotion is enough to persuade children to eat an extra 130 calories daily. Children and teenagers exposed to the marketing ate far more calories than other children, even if the adverts did not feature food products at all. Addressing the Commons in April, Ashley Dalton, the health minister, said: 'The Government's view remains that pure brand advertising is not in scope of this policy. 'This is because the legislation only restricts adverts that could reasonably be considered to be for identifiable less-healthy products, and not adverts that could be reasonably understood to be advertising brands. 'We therefore expect that businesses will still have opportunities to promote their brands, provided that their adverts do not identify a less-healthy product.'
