World Anti-Obesity Day: Expert paediatricians warns of rising epidemic of childhood obesity in UAE

World Anti-Obesity Day: Expert paediatrician warns parents in the UAE to address the rising epidemic of childhood obesity to protect their children from fatal diseases in the future 

Dubai, UAE, November 22, 2016:   Consultant Paediatrician from Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) highlights on World Anti-Obesity Day the potential long term risk to children’s health from obesity in the UAE, and that trying to maintain a healthy weight in childhood is important for children. Dr Lee Hudson, General Paediatrician and Consultant at the London based hospital, which treats children from the region, is advising parents to consider this increasing issue to help protect them from the risks associated with obesity in the future. 

According to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), obesity rates among adults are high in the region, with 37% of the UAE population being classed as obese . Alarmingly, rates for young adults and teenagers in the Middle East top global charts for obesity and being overweight compared to the rest of the world . Obesity is linked to heart disease, stokes, cancer and diabetes. 

Dr Hudson, who refers to obesity as an emerging public health problem epidemic in the Middle East, highlights the importance for parents to be aware of their child’s weight as obesity can impact their health both now and in the future. 

“The definition of overweight means that a child’s bodyweight (in particular the amount of body fat) is higher than most children’s in a healthy population and greater than would be advised. Obesity is when that level of being overweight is more severe. Healthy lifestyles should be promoted to all children. Issues with weight tend to build up slowly over time and many families do not notice until problems are established,” he said.

According to Dr Hudson, being obese or overweight is also linked to mental health problems in some children. It is a burden on the individual, family and society in many ways. 

“The best treatment for obesity is prevention, and educating the family and children about healthy ways of living, including eating well and exercising regularly, is vital. Losing weight is hard, and the treatment for being overweight is usually the same as the way to prevent it: eating well and exercising regularly.” 

“If you are worried about your child’s weight, seeking advice from a health professional or dietician can be helpful. Adults should set good examples around food and exercise, as well as try to gain an understanding of why your child is eating so much. Sharing a healthy lifestyle in the entire family will ensure that children are given the best chance at a healthy and long life,” Dr Hudson recommends. 

Top tips for keeping your child at a healthy weight:

• Get Active: Encourage physical activity e.g. swimming, sports, jogging and cycling.
• Limit their time sat down watching TV: Especially when eating as when distracted by the TV, they tend to not sense how much they are eating
• Be careful about portion sizes 
• Do not let them skip meals
• Have a positive and constructive attitude: Do not tell off or punish a child for being overweight 
• Be a good role model: Children tend to copy what parents and adults do – so parents and relatives should try and demonstrate healthy eating to set a good example