This World Anti-Obesity Day, experts are asking for parents to introduce more exercise and healthy eating right into their children's lives to stop the emerging obesity epidemic in the region, and help avoid the mental effects of obesity.

Childhood obesity has become a major health challenge around the globe affecting greater than 41 million children worldwide, and forecasted to get to 70 million by 2025, if current fads continue [1] According to the World Health Organisation, over 17% of children in the UAE are classed as overweight [2] The results of obesity reach the community and finances of the nation and it is presently setting you back the UAE $6 billion annually [3]

The psychological effects of obesity are extremely obvious according to Bahee Van de Bor, Professional Paediatric Dietitian at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) in London. "Overweight and obese children are likely to continue to be overweight right into adulthood and face problems such as depression and bullying, which can further reduce children's self-confidence and mental well-being," says Ms. Van de Bor. She included that to stay clear of the psychological issues continuing right into the adult years, it is important to deal with childhood obesity early.

Dr Lee Hudson, Consultant General Paediatrician at GOSH emphasises the seriousness of the issue mentioning that it is an arising epidemic in the region and states that issues with weight tend to build over time and they can go unnoticed by the family until the problems are established.

Obesity has a several effects on a child's health, currently and in the future, and is a leading reason of fatality around the globe. Obese children have a raised danger as grownups for strokes, coronary artery condition, high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus, which will result in a reduced quality of life and a shortened lifespan. " Losing weight is hard, and the therapy for being obese is generally the like the means to stop it," claims Dr. Hudson who is urging families between East to take action against childhood obesity.

Dr. Hudson and Ms. Van De Bor concur that the assistance network around the kid could play a key duty in the prevention or therapy of obesity. It is important that the family encourage positive body image from an early age, teach their children about nutrition and understand what factors are driving weight gain, urges Ms. Van de Bor.

People that do workout routinely have a 50% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes and 30% reduced risk of early death, dementia and depression. Along with the health advantages of workout, Ms. Van de Bor highlights that overweight and overweight children who exercise routinely will see benefits in their school performance as they have the ability to concentrate and concentrate far better.

Children require around 60 mins of exercise a day which can be divided between school and extra-curricular activities. Being energetic and eating healthy shouldn't feel like chores to the kid and ought to be integrated in a pleasurable way as simple as playing tag.

Tackling the trouble with each other as a family members can be an excellent step in the direction of a healthy way of living and Ms. Van de Bor suggests that moms and dads join the activity with their youngster and prepare a nourishing treat for them to eat right away after the task.

" This decreases the temptation to snack above sugar/fat snacks later on in the day. Always supply your support and understanding and guarantee that there are a lot of fresh fruit, vegetables and healthy snacks readily offered for children to eat at home when starving," she states.
Tips for parents

Get Active

Top tips from Lee Hudson, Expert General Paediatrician, and Niamh Landry, Expert Paediatric Dietitian, at GOSH to help obtain kids and family members healthy and active.

- Get active! Exercising is important for preventing weight problems.
Kids require around 60 minutes a day and they need help accomplishing this both in school and in the house. Motivate them to sign up with a school sports group or participate in school activities. After school, consider local after school clubs or sporting activities groups; there are lots of fun ways for kids to do 60 mins without making it a chore. Activities such as cycling, walking, playing tag, jumping rope or swimming and dance are fantastic tasks to urge your child to do exercise.

- Join in as a family
Exercise is much more fun as a family! It must be urged and incorporated in daily family life. This can be small, incremental adjustments (e.g. choosing to stroll to school rather than taking the car), to larger changes (e.g. family trips to the swimming pool or going on a household bike ride).

- Reducing screen time
Lowering the quantity of time kids spend in front of a display, such as a computer, television or computer game consoles is also beneficial.

- Be a good role model
All the family should get on board with a healthy 'get fit, get active' perspective so the kid doesn't really feel strange or selected. This will certainly quickly make this healthy perspective a normal, daily part of family life.

- Eat well
It is necessary that the body is sustained appropriately to feel the benefits of doing exercise. Make sure the household are consuming normal, healthy and balanced and appropriately portioned meals everyday. Beware of sweet treats and beverages in between meals and instead treat on fruit or nuts and drink water where necessary.