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Keep an eye on child’s eating habits

DUBAI — One of the most serious health concerns in the UAE is child obesity. According to recent studies carried out on school children in the UAE, the incidence of obesity is two to three times greater than the recently published international standard.

By (Staff Reporter)

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Published: Sat 12 May 2012, 10:52 PM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 1:44 PM

According to Dr Jincy Joy, Specialist Pediatrician at Aster Medical Centre, the main reason behind child obesity is the lack of parental concern. “Parents notice their child’s weight gain only when any school personnel or a friend points it out or the children themselves show concern,” she said.

Dr Jincy mentioned certain risk factors which can make a child prone to obesity. “Genetic make-up of a child does play its role but it does not necessarily mean that if parents of a child are obese, the child will be obese. The child will only be at risk of getting obese. The main reason definitely is over-consumption of unhealthy food, snacks and high calorie drinks.”

“With obesity comes a chain of diseases”, she said. It can cause hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes and hypertension resulting in heart problems, breathing problems, fatty liver and fungal infections of skin.

Not only physical but also mental and emotional health is affected by obesity. Fat kids try to avoid gatherings. They are the victims of teasing from fellow kids that make them stay indoors and spend more time on video games and the TV resulting in further weight gain.

“Obese children are likely to become obese adults,” mentioned Dr Jincy. “It is easy to prevent obesity than to treat. The best approach to help an obese kid to lose weight is by helping him change his behaviour. Encourage them to give up their bad eating habits.” Healthy, low calorie, fibre rich food in moderate portions can help lose weight. At least an hour of moderate physical exercise everyday is necessary for keeping weight in balance”.