3 days Ago By Sodiq Ojuroungbe
Sodiq Ojuroungbe Health experts have raised the alarm over the rising cases of childhood obesity, calling for immediate and comprehensive interventions to combat the growing public health crisis. The warnings come in the wake of recent data published by the World Health Organisation, which highlights a sharp increase in obesity rates among children globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. According to the WHO report, one in eight people in the world is living with obesity with about 2.
5 billion adults (18 years and older) being overweight. The global health body added that 890 million out of these overweight adults were living with obesity with 43 per cent of adults aged 18 years and above were overweight, while 16 per cent were living with obesity. The WHO data also revealed that 37 million children under the age of 5 were overweight in 2022, while over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were overweight, including 160 million who were living with obesity.
Reacting, some health experts who spoke exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise warned of the severe long-term implications of this trend, which include heightened risks for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues. They noted that the factors contributing to this rise are multifaceted, including increased consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, reduced physical activity, and socio-economic factors that limit access to healthier lifestyle choices. A renowned expert in Health, Wellness, and Human Performance, Professor Samson Babatunde, expressed deep concern over the findings, emphasizing the long-term health implications for children affected by obesity.
Babatunde, who has conducted extensive research on childhood obesity and its impact on physical and mental health, called for a multifaceted approach to tackle this issue. “Childhood obesity is not just a matter of physical appearance; it has serious health consequences that can last a lifetime,” the don stated. “As the WHO report indicates, children who are obese are at a higher risk of developing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and even certain types of cancer.
Moreover, the psychological impact, including low self-esteem and depression, cannot be overlooked.” The professor highlighted several contributing factors to the rise in childhood obesity, aligning with the WHO’s observations. These, he noted, include an increased intake of energy-dense foods high in fat and sugars, and a decrease in physical activity due to the increasingly sedentary nature of many forms of work, changing modes of transportation, and increasing urbanisation.
“We are living in a time where children are more likely to spend hours in sedentary activities rather than engaging in physical play “This shift in lifestyle is contributing significantly to the obesity epidemic. We need to encourage active play, sports participation, and healthy eating from a young age to reverse these trends,” he stressed. In addition to public education, Babatunde called for policy changes that would make healthier food options more accessible and affordable for families.
He advocated for government regulations on the marketing of unhealthy foods to children and the implementation of programs that promote physical activity in schools, echoing the WHO’s recommendations for population-based approaches to childhood obesity prevention. He added, “Access to healthy food should not be a privilege but a right. We need policies that ensure all children have access to nutritious meals, both at home and in school.
Schools should also play a pivotal role in promoting physical activity by integrating it into the daily curriculum.” While noting that the WHO fact sheet pointed to the role of environmental and societal changes in worsening childhood obesity rates, Babatunde urged urban planners and policymakers to consider the health of children in their development plans. “Urbanisation has led to environments that are not conducive to physical activity.
We need to design cities and communities that encourage walking, cycling, and outdoor play. This requires a collaborative effort between government, health professionals, and urban planners. “Our children deserve a healthy start in life.
It is our collective responsibility to ensure they have the knowledge, resources, and opportunities to live healthy, active lives. As the WHO emphasises, obesity is preventable, and we must act now to safeguard the health of future generations,” he stated. Also speaking, a child health expert, Dr Tony Badmus said there is a need for immediate and effective interventions to reverse this trend.
Badmus, a paediatrician at Ogun General Hospital recommended that the government should implement school-based nutrition programmes, enhance physical education curricula, and increase public awareness about healthy eating and active living. He also called for policies that support better access to nutritious foods in underserved communities and create environments that encourage physical activity. “We are witnessing an alarming rise in obesity rates among our youth.
The implications are dire, not just for their physical health, but for their overall quality of life. We need immediate and effective interventions to reverse this trend. “Addressing childhood obesity requires a collaborative effort from all sectors of society.
“It is about creating a culture that prioritises health and well-being from a young age. This means not only educating children but also empowering families and communities with the tools and resources they need to make healthier choices”, he stated. Copyright PUNCH All rights reserved.
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