The prevalence of obesity in the youth

By Mariam Faizal

Obesity is the condition that describes the accumulation of body fat which, ultimately, leads to multiple diseases: most notably that of the heart. It should be noted here that obesity is exceptionally present within the youth: one in every three children in the UAE is overweight/obese.

The reasons for obesity

Why is this so? Research indicates that obesity is on an upward spiral as a child grows older – experts conclude that teenagers have more freedom to choose what they want to eat, and opt for calorie-laden food such as burgers, take-out, and pizza. As well as this, there are fewer energy requirements needed by these children anyway.

Research also points out that there exists a link between obese parents and obese children. These children are likely to mimic the former’s bad eating habits.

Children may also become obese due to genetic factors – genes that manage metabolism, for example, may contain genetic conditions. These include Prader-Willi syndrome, in addition to Bardet-Biedl syndrome.

Socioeconomic status additionally plays a part in childhood obesity, with children of racial/ethnic minorities tending to become overweight.

Prevention and reduction

What should be done? Preventing and reducing obesity is quite simple. A basic step to be undertaken is that parents should begin leading a healthy lifestyle, which children must follow as well. Another step is the removal of junk-food vending machines in schools and places frequented by children such as arcades, which would account largely for the reduction of obesity.

Other practical steps include swapping sweetened milk for unsweetened milk, which nonetheless should be whole fat. Children should be weaned off of soft, caffeinated, and high energy drinks. A suitable replacement would be fresh fruit juices, and a detailed meal plan would be correct as well.  These should place the right emphasis on healthy forms of carbohydrate as well as fruit and vegetables. Video and computer games should be limited. Youths should be encouraged to play sports and other physical activities, and refrain from smoking and alcohol abuse if this is the case.

If these reparative measures are undertaken, children should likely lead a healthier lifestyle. Not only does this lead to longevity in life, it could improve the confidences and outlooks of these children as well.