MOST of us would attest to the fact that the Covid-19 pandemic has changed our eating habits. Stress-related eating, coupled with inactivity, has done us no good and children are also affected.
Pandemic weight gain is a reality for Malaysian children as sporadic school closures and significantly less outdoor play have led to boredom, more frequent eating and increased snacking.
Overweight and obese children represent a ticking time bomb, says Associate Professor Dr Geeta Appanah, president of Malaysian Association for the Study of Obesity .
Speaking during a webinar entitled "Pandemic woes among children", Geeta says obese children who contract Covid-19 are at greater risk of serious complications, especially if they are unvaccinated. They also have a higher mortality rate and are likely to experience longer hospital stays.
Geeta says in 2006, the combined prevalence of obese and overweight children was around 20 per cent.
Fast forward to 2019, the Health Ministry's National and Morbidity Survey (NHMS2019) found that the figure has increased to almost 30 per cent.
Data from NHMS2017 indicated that there was a higher prevalence in urban areas, with boys more likely to be affected. In terms of income group, children at both ends of the spectrum seem to be most impacted by the problem.
"An obese child has a higher tendency to become an obese adolescent and adult because habits stick and unless something is done, it becomes a vicious cycle," says Geeta.
The fact that one in two adults in Malaysia is already obese or overweight, as discovered in NHMS2019, is indicative of this pattern coming to light.
A WORRYING TREND
Just like adults, children who are obese or overweight may suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
"We are seeing 10-year-olds with type 2 diabetes at clinics now and these children may also suffer from other issues such as asthma or depression."
Obese children tend to face stigmatisation and bullying from peers and this leads to mental health issues, including low self-esteem.
Geeta points out that these children are also more likely to miss school or have a high rate of absenteeism. As adults, their obesity means they are less likely to be employed, more likely to face stigmatisation at the workplace and have a lifespan that is three years shorter than the average person.
Eating habits have to change, she stresses, and the change must happen early.
She points out that NHMS2017 includes a comparison of sugar intake by children over the years. In 2012, a child consumed about seven teaspoons of sugar daily but in 2017, this increased to 10, which is too much.
Heavy meals after supper are also a contributing factor as is the habit of skipping breakfast, which leads to children eating more during the later part of the day.
PANDEMIC EFFECT
Inactivity, which has been made worse by the pandemic, means all those extra calories are not being burnt off.
Longer screen time, which is the norm for kids as they are mostly forced to stay indoors, has led to less exercise and unhealthy snacking.
"Increased screen time is associated with childhood obesity and increased body mass index," says Geeta.
Many busy parents, including those who are working from home, tend to order meals from outside most days of the week.
While it's certainly more convenient, this means children have less access to healthy food daily.
"Change should happen from home. As parents, you need to start planning and preparing healthy meals for the family and involve children in these preparations," says Geeta.
More importantly, schedule at least one hour of physical activity for your child every day.
WAYS TO MAKE THE CHANGE
START EARLY
If you feed your children fruits and vegetables from a very young age, the habit will stick with them.
LIMIT ACCESS
Greater availability of high caloric food means the tendency to become obese will increase. The same applies to children with limited access to healthy foods.
EAT BREAKFAST
Hunger pangs mean the child is more likely to gorge on larger portions when he finally has a meal.
DON'T CHOOSE CONVENIENCE
While it may be easier to pick up something from the neighbourhood fast-food outlet, especially if you live in an area surrounded by food operators, this can lead to high caloric meals on a daily basis.
TAKE IT SLOW
Change your children's eating habits gradually and don't be too rigid in cutting out foods or drastically reducing their food intake. Be flexible in your approach and when setbacks happen, get back into action.
GET MOVING
PHYSICAL activity is crucial for children, but rather than forcing them to exercise, introduce things that naturally appeals to them as this will be more sustainable. Here are some examples:
AEROBIC ACTIVITIES
Hiking
Running
Walking
Bicycle riding
Jumping rope
Swimming
MUSCLE STRENGTHENING ACTIVITIES
Push-ups
Sit-ups
Rock climbing
Weight lifting
BONE STRENGTHENING ACTIVITIES
Hopping
Skipping
Running
Football
Basketball
Volleyball
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