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Decline attributed to measures taken by UAE government to curb health concerns
Photo: A child at the ‘Back to School’ event at LLH Hospital in Musafa, Abu Dhabi
Some pediatric experts report that obesity rates among students have declined, but 30% to 40% of students are still overweight.
Doctors attribute the decline in obesity to measures taken by the UAE government, including the introduction of a “sugar tax”, and increased awareness among parents and children of obesity-related health problems. Doctors told Khaleej Times that 1 or 2 out of 10 children were found to be obese, based on their health check-ups over the summer and observations during the “Back to School” campaign. Two to four were also found to be overweight, the rest were either normal or underweight.
“Yes, compared to previous years, the number of obese children has decreased,” said Dr. Mamata Bothra, specialist in paediatrics and neonatology at Medeor Hospital in Dubai. “In 10 children, 1 to 2 may be obese and 2 to 3 may be overweight.”
Photo: Dr. Mamata Bothra
Body mass index (BMI) for weight/height is commonly used to classify overweight and obsessed adults. While a BMI of 25 or greater is overweight, anything greater than or equal to 30 is considered obese. For children and adolescents, BMI is age- and sex-specific, often referred to as BMI-for-age, and all of these parameters are taken into account.
For example, a 10-year-old boy who weighs 46 kg and is 4 feet 6 inches tall would have a BMI below 95% and would therefore be considered obese. A high BMI is a major risk factor for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers, including colorectal, kidney, and esophageal cancer.
A doctor checks a child’s body mass index (BMI) at the LLH Hospital in Abu Dhabi.
Dr Chandni Pradeep, a paediatric specialist at Ahalia Hospital, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi, noted that the number of children reaching the obesity stage has been decreasing.
“There are fewer obese children now. 1 in 10 children may be in the obese range, 3 to 4 will be overweight, 1 to 2 will be underweight and rest normally,” Dr. Chandni said. She also pointed to some of the factors that contribute to obesity including genetics, dietary habits, physical inactivity, cultural and socioeconomic factors.
Dr. Chandni Pradeep
Sugar tax, measures to curb obesity
Doctors welcomed the measures taken by the UAE government to curb health problems such as childhood obesity. In December 2019, the government imposed a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages and any products with added sugar or other sweeteners.
According to the 2010 Global School Student Health Survey conducted in the UAE, 43.4% of students typically drink carbonated soft drinks one or more times a day.
“Therefore, rising prices for carbonated beverages can help curb obesity,” Dr. Chandni said.
“Also, the government has opened many parks for children to play. The aim is to increase physical activity and reduce TV watching time. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and summer heat, children are sitting more at home and in front of TV. Otherwise, far fewer people are overweight and obese.
But now with children going back to school, physical activity is being done every day,” said Dr Chandni, who has served in Abu Dhabi for 20 years.
Dr. Seth Rinivas
Dr. Sai Srinivas, a paediatrician and specialist at Aster Hospital in Qusais, noted that the government’s plan to combat obesity has shown positive results.
“The main goals of the program are to increase access to healthy food and beverages, encourage physical activity in children, and build an ecosystem that enables young people to enjoy a healthy and happy lifestyle,” said Dr Srinivas.
“If we analyze the results of this program in light of our experience, it is remarkable that the number of obese and overweight children has decreased significantly.”
Considering the positive results, Dr Srinivas added: “There has been an increase in the consumption rate of fruits and vegetables among children. There is also awareness of not consuming too much sugar, sweetened beverages and processed foods. Also, there are now more children Participate in physical activity. These measures have contributed to the decline in childhood obesity.”
Parents play a key role
Dr. Mamata emphasized that parents must incorporate healthy habits into their children from an early age.
“When parents come to see me, we discuss the child’s expected height and weight and plot it on a growth chart. Any abnormal deviations are discussed, and early intervention can help prevent obesity and other growth-related problems.
Home-cooked meals, better sleep habits, exercise and avoiding sugar and packaged foods can help achieve the desired results. “
Dr. Chandni added that parents and children now have a greater awareness of the importance of losing weight.
“Even overweight kids are aware of the need to lose weight. They want to look fit. So they are taking steps and making sure they exercise to lose weight.
This awareness is the latest trend, which is a welcome change,” she concluded.
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