Childhood obesity is one the rise. Statistically, 17% of children and adolescents around the world are obese (Karnik & Kanekar, 2015). This translates to about 12.7 million of the world’s population. Obese children are at an elevated risk of developing various lifestyle conditions including cancer, hypertension, and juvenile diabetes (Dietz & Gortmaker, 2001). Over the years, there have been numerous forums to deliberate on ideal approaches to addressing obesity in children. In 1997, an expert consultation conference was convened by the WHO in Geneva with a primary purpose of reviewing past studies to come up with policies to curb obesity (World Health Organization, 1998). During the conference, it became apparent that overweight and obesity in children and the entire population affects the developed and the developing world alike. The experts have further associated obesity with lifestyle choices particularly increasing levels of laxity and unsuitable dietary choices such persistent intake energy-dense foods, high fat intake and highly processed foods.
In another long consultation meeting under the guidance of the United Nations Political Declaration held in Geneva in 2011, diet and physical activity were identified as the primary modifiable variables that influence weight in children and adults alike (World Health Organization, 2012). Judging from the deliberations of the two high-level meetings and the recommendations arrived at, it becomes apparent that obesity in children results from an interplay between diet and exercise (World Health Organization, 2000).
In the current project, we will examine the simple executable changes that can be introduced in school and at home to control and prevent obesity in children. This may include discouraging stocking of empty calorie and fast foods in school canteens and mandatory exercise for school going children. Further, the project will look into the barriers that hinder suitable dietary habits and recommended physical activities among children aged 7-15 years. An advocacy/ participatory research approach will be used to undertake the current project.
References
Dietz, W. H., & Gortmaker, S. L. (2001). Preventing obesity in children and adolescents 1. Annual review of public health, 22(1), 337-353.
Karnik, S., & Kanekar, A. (2015). Childhood obesity: a global public health crisis. Int J Prev Med, 2012. 3 (1), 1-7.
World Health Organization. (1998). Obesity: preventing and managing the global epidemic: report of a WHO consultation on obesity, Geneva, 3-5 June 1997.
World Health Organization. (2000). Obesity: preventing and managing the global epidemic (No. 894). World Health Organization.
World Health Organization. (2012). Population-based approaches to childhood obesity prevention.
