A scary obesity problem

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AS the world celebrates International Children’s Day on Nov 20, we would like to bring everyone’s attention to the epidemic of childhood obesity.

The World Obesity Atlas 2022, published by the World Obesity Federation, predicted that the number of people living with obesity is on course to double, and in low income countries the number will even triple. This translates to about one billion people living with obesity by 2030 – with 13% of them being children!

Where does Malaysia stand in the atlas? It is predicted that the number of children with obesity in Malaysia in 2030 will reach 1.7 million, with a 4% annual increment between 2010 and 2030. This number is considered alarming.

Obesity in childhood is known to have a significant impact on children’s physical health, emotional well-being and self esteem. They are likely to be obese young adults, with a higher risk of developing noncommunicable diseases like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease. Obesity can also cause joint pain and even injuries to the hips, knees and back.

Lung-related problems are another serious complication as obese children are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea – a condition whereby a person’s breathing repeatedly stops during sleep and interrupts it. It is also associated with poor academic performance, a lower quality of life and depression.

Combating childhood obesity is a universal problem that requires commitment from everyone. Family interventions include sharing mealtimes, being physically active as a family, incorporating good sleep hygiene with screen time management.

Family mealtimes are defined as meals eaten at the same time in the same location by all or most family members. It has been shown to increase children’s higher intake of protein, fibre, vitamins and micronutrients. Children who eat at home have a lower body mass index and have healthier relationships with food.

Family physical activity is also an important strategy to combat obesity. This may include doing active house chores like vacuuming and cleaning bathrooms as well as family recreational activities such as hiking, jogging, cycling or swimming.

Good sleep hygiene is essential to prevent obesity, hence parents should ensure that children get sufficient sleep regularly, with a regular bedtime routine. Screen time management involves turning screens off an hour before bedtime, restricting access to screens and balancing screen time with other activities.

However, parents are not the only group of people that are responsible for curbing this issue. The complexity of this epidemic requires a multifaceted approach that involves policymakers, NGOs, businesses, schools and community leaders. The ultimate aim is to create an environment that supports healthy lifestyles.

This can be done through large-scale media campaigns that deliver messages via TV, radio and social media. Local leaders and communities can create efforts to increase facilities where the public – children and adults alike – can be active, such as recreational parks and walking trails.

Beyond health education, schools should serve healthier meal choices, promote active recess time, make plain water accessible to children and have breakfast programmes consisting of a well-balanced diet.

Obesity is a problem that must be taken seriously. A comprehensive approach that can alter the trajectory of childhood obesity and reduce the risk of all related complications should be put in place, with commitment from the government, policymakers, professionals and family, so that together, no child is left behind on the journey towards a healthy adulthood.

We need to be better. We need to give children the best chance to fight obesity and its complications. We need to work together to support their growth and development optimally.

Every child has a right to grow up healthily!

DR ADILAH W. AB RAHIM and DR ALIYYAH MOHAMMAD KHUZAINI

Paediatric Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia