Our children are in trouble
Did you know that almost 15 percent of South African primary school children are overweight? This is according to the latest stats from the South African Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The thing that caught my eye looking at this news was our girls are very overweight than boys. Any a parent with a primary school child in their household should be worried as me and this made me understand that our children are in trouble, especially girls.
It was found that girls living in the city-based have more than double the rate (30 percent) and have more body fat. It’s a fact that girls are usually heavier than boys. The World Obesity Federation (WOF) has warned that unless South Africa takes extremely important action to deal with the problem otherwise by 2025 almost 4 million local school children will be overweight.
This is a serious matter parents our children are in trouble and according to the latest research. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HAFSA) it has shown that girls who were very overweight between the ages of 4 and 6 were 42 times at risk to be overweight as teenagers.
The biggest contribution to obesity is inactivity, our children watch too much television and it was found that girls watch more than boys. This presents a threat to our risk as they will at the risk of contracting long-lasting such a Diabetes.
In Fact, the time is now to act so that we can nip this as early as possible. Solutions need to be placed as suggested by Professor Ian Caterson from the WOF strongly encouraged governments to act: “Introducing tougher rules to protect children from the marketing of unhealthy food, making sure schools help increase healthy eating and physical activity, strengthening planning and building rules to provide safe neighbourhoods, and monitoring the impact of these policies.”
Is your child active enough and what needs to change?
Moipone
A South African bloggers that enjoys sharing her experiences whether about a product or good/bad customer service. I started Ferocious Haven at the end of 2014 , now Life and Mo. I write about beauty products, product reviews , parenting journey and challenges and life and achieving personal finance.
12 Comments
Mummy Bee
Hi I really enjoyed reading your post i think childhood obesity is something that we all need to start taking seriously and trying to find ways to combat it. I live in the UK where obesity is also becoming a really big problem within children.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Bridge
It is really important as parents to be active and involve our children in activities as well. I am glad you enjoyed my post Thank you for visiting.
jeremy@thirstydaddy
My daughter could lose a few pounds. We try and get outside to play as much as possible and have been cutting down on the snacks recently. Great reminder that this is something important that needs to be a priority #twinklytuesday
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Jeremy
That is awesome at least you have started making the change. Thank you for visiting
Natalie
Personally I think improving this situation has to start at home with the parents before schools or the public can do anything about it. So parents should be ones to be encouraging more physical activities and healthier eating with their kids. #GlobalBlogging
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Natalie
I agree of course it should start from home, my daughter school they tell us to pack a healthy lunch yet their tuckshop sells junk food.
Thank you for visiting
The Mum Project
Wow that’s interesting that girls watch more TV and are more likely to be overweight. I will have to make sure I watch my sons nutrition as he gets older as I’m sure it’s the same in the UK as well. Thanks for this information and sharing with #GlobalBlogging!
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi
it is very interesting , thank you for visiting 🙂
Claire
Obesity is a huge problem not only here, but in many places, meaning that there is a huge need for change to help our kids be healthier and happier. Glad you chose to shed some light on a problem that is so very important!
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Claire
yes you are right it is an worldwide issue and change must be now for parents.
Thank you for reading
One Messy Mama
It’s so sad reading about this! What happened to children spending hours outside and running around. It is a frightening statistic. We are also so rushed for time nowadays that we just don’t put as much effort into our meals,as we should! Always a good reminder, thank you! #GlobalBlogging
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi
I always ask that,they dont play outside anymore. I think its us parents we are always rushing n busy.