Obesity, which is increasingly seen in childhood, brings not only overweight but also various diseases. Drawing attention to the danger of obesity in children, Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Merve Bayram mentioned the important points to be considered from nutrition to physical activity to protect children from this risk.
Obesity is one of the most important diseases caused by ready-to-eat food consumption and sedentary life today. According to the latest report prepared in 2016 with the joint work of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, the obesity rate in children reached 9.9 percent. Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Health Sciences, Head of Nutrition and Dietetics Department Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Merve Bayram pointed out that this rate has increased even more today and made important warnings to prevent obesity.
Emphasizing that the biggest cause of childhood obesity is wrong eating habits, Bayram said, “We can group these habits under a broader heading. For example, uniform nutrition. Children love pasta and bread group very much. When they turn to this type of food, they do not get the other nutrients they should get. Another factor is the widespread consumption of fast food or children's easy access to processed packaged products, especially junk food. The fact that these products are widely consumed among their peers or household members, advertisements associated with these products or the healthy presentation of packaged products are other factors.”
Insomnia is also a cause of obesity
Stating that another most important factor causing obesity is insomnia, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Merve Bayram used the following statements:
“Especially with the spread of digitalization, the screen exposure of children using tablets, computers, mobile phones and televisions has increased. At this point, insomnia also comes into play. While insomnia alone is a factor that causes obesity, exposure to digital screens can also cause insomnia in children. When children are exposed to these, their desire for snacks may increase. If they are sleep deprived at night, their desire to eat at night may increase. Or their calorie intake may increase because they eat their meals quickly directly in front of the screen and do not know what they are eating.”
Development of cancer types increases with obesity
Stating that the family's eating habits and table setting are important, Bayram said that children may turn to food to comfort themselves due to situations such as sadness, stress and peer bullying.
Explaining the diseases that occur in children with obesity, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Merve Bayram said, “Obesity is a problem for chronic diseases in itself. With obesity, the development of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, some specific types of cancer will increase. Childhood obesity is more important than in adulthood. If you have obesity in childhood, the age of development of these diseases will decrease. At this point, the risk of complications for older ages will increase.”
Healthy eating habits start in the family
Stating that healthy eating habits in children start from the family, “First of all, parents should have healthy eating habits. If the parents have this habit, the child will continue his life by learning the right thing because he starts by imitating them,” said Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Health Sciences, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Merve Bayram reminded the effect of sedentary life on obesity.
“Set a family sports day”
Bayram, who gave important advice due to the fact that children will be locked at home and do less physical activity as the weather gets colder, said, “Digitalization should be turned into a benefit at this point. There are various digital games that will increase physical activity. The family can encourage the child to play such games and even play with them. A sports day can be determined and the family can go for a walk or any winter activity.”
İHA Haber Kodu: 20240918AW289634