Electronic devices these days have replaced outdoor physical activities. Children are often found glued to smart phones or any other gadget, which drastically reduces outdoor activities

Childhood overweight and obesity has become one of the serious public health concerns in this century. This has become a problem not only in the developed countries but also in developing nations. The World Health Organisation says childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century and that the problem is global and is steadily affecting many low and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. The prevalence, according to the WDO, has increased at an alarming rate.

Data shows that almost half of all overweight children under five years live in Asia and Africa. They are most likely to develop diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age.

The main cause of overweight and obesity is the imbalance of calories consumed and calories burned. Even in Nepal, we are seeing a major shift in dietary practices as more and more children are found consuming fast foods (or junk foods) more than homemade foods. There is an overuse of foods that are high in fat and sugars but low in vitamins, minerals and essential micronutrients. Sedentary lifestyle, with nil to minimal physical exercise, just complicates the problem. According to the WHO, global increases in childhood overweight and obesity are attributable to a number of factors including: a global shift in diet towards increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat and sugars but low in vitamins, minerals and other healthy micronutrients; a trend towards decreased physical activity levels due to the increasingly sedentary nature of many forms of recreation time, changing modes of transportation, and increasing urbanisation.

Children and adolescents’ food consumption, hence, needs to be well taken care of. Parents must pay proper attention to the types of foods their children are consuming and the long-term health consequences they can have.

Staying active can help to maintain body weight and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart diseases, diabetes, stroke etc. The future generation seems to be more vulnerable to chronic diseases. The WHO recommends two and a half hours of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week. For children, it should be at least one hour a day.

Overweight and obesity however are largely preventable. Prevention is the most feasible option, says the WHO, for curbing the childhood obesity epidemic since current treatment practices are largely aimed at bringing the problem under control rather than effecting a cure.

In Nepal, government can introduce nutrition campaigns in rural areas and raise awareness about obesity and its health consequences in urban centres.

The main reason for obesity is fat. But we have to understand the type of fats our children are consuming. Our body needs fat. There are two types of fats—good and bad. Fat is a major source of energy. It is needed for building cell membrane and the nerves surrounding them. It also helps in blood clotting, inflammation and aids in muscle movement.

Monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats are good for health while trans-fats are bad for health. The sources of good fats are those with high in omega-9 (sunflower, hazel nut, olive oil) and omega-3 (soybeans, walnuts, canola oil). We may not realise that the sources of trans- fat come from cakes, pies, cookies, microwave popcorn, doughnuts. Increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts; limiting energy intake from total fats and shifting fat consumption away from saturated fats to unsaturated fats and limiting the intake of sugars are some of the recommendations experts make.

Obesity, however, is not only about food sources; it is also about the imbalance of other daily habits. For example, lack of sleep and exercise can make children obese faster.

In recent days, electronic devices have replaced outdoor physical activities. Children are often found glued to smart phones, which drastically reduces their physical activities. Hence parents’ role becomes crucial. While children cannot be kept completely out of technology, parents must pay heed to the amount of time their children are investing in such gadgets. Similarly, in today’s competitive world, parents often find it easier to offer fast foods to their children instead of homemade foods. There is a need to reconsider children’s food habits.

Some studies have shown that overuse of electronic gadgets can cause delay in development of children’s motor skills, dexterity, speaking and socialisation. There is also an increase in aggressive behaviour, tiredness, and obviously obesity.

A Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health study shows that teens who spend many hours on smartphones are more likely to be obese. Out of 25,000 US teens during 2013-2015, 20 per cent spent more than five hours a day in front of screens. These teens were twice as likely to drink sugary drink each day and to not get enough sleep or exercise and were 43 per cent more likely to be obese compared with teens who spent less time using their screened devices.

It is high time Nepali parents started encouraging healthy eating habits. Taking children for brief morning or evening walks and playing with them can make them physical active.