What can we do?

The obesity epidemic threatens to create a generation of children who may die before their parents…

Obese children and adolescents suffer from both short-term and long-term health and social consequences. Overweight and obese children often experience breathing difficulties, increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease including insulin resistance (a pre-diabetic condition) and adverse psychological effects such as depression and anxiety. They are also likely to have fewer friends and to experience bullying. Overweight and obese children are also more likely to become obese adults, but childhood obesity affects cardiovascular health in adulthood, even in the absence of obesity in adulthood.

GOOD NEWS: Childhood obesity is mostly preventable!

“The good news is that childhood obesity and its associated diseases are mostly preventable. Healthy dietary habits and eating behaviours, regular physical activity, minimising screen-based sedentary activities, and having a healthy sleep pattern can help prevent childhood obesity” (Dr Rute Roberto Dos Santos)

Over the next 4 weeks we will be looking at each of these areas closely, beginning with nutrition.

Conversation starter

-Which of these areas interests you the most and what are you looking forward to learning more about?