What should be done when children are overweight or obese?

Việt Nam•27/12/2023

Among the many causes of overweight and obesity, one is improper nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.

In addition to providing proper nutrition, children need more physical activity to reduce obesity.

Controlling TCBP in children

Ms. Huynh Cam My, teacher in charge of the kindergarten class 3 at Vanh Khuyen Kindergarten, Vi Thanh City, said: “At the beginning of the year, after weighing and measuring, we found that 2 children in the class were obese. For obese children, we will limit their intake of carbohydrates, increase their consumption of vegetable soups, and encourage them to participate in games and physical activities.” In the 2023-2024 school year, after weighing and measuring to assess the nutritional status of children at the beginning of the year, Vanh Khuyen Kindergarten had a total of 6 obese children, mainly in the kindergarten classes.

Similarly, at Luong Tam Kindergarten in Long My District, the care of children with obesity is given special attention. Ms. Vo Thi Kim Guong, Principal of Luong Tam Kindergarten, said: “In reality, nowadays, family living conditions are better, children have more sufficient food, and many children like to eat bubble tea, fried chicken, sweets, and sugary drinks, while they are less active and spend more time watching phones and TV,... so they are easily susceptible to obesity. We remind teachers to increase physical activity through physical education in the care of these children.”

Preschools and kindergartens conduct four annual weight and height measurements of children to accurately assess their nutritional status and develop appropriate solutions for improving their diet. Relevant sectors have also intensified communication activities on preventing and combating childhood obesity, and raising awareness about the risks of diseases associated with childhood obesity. This has contributed to keeping the rate of underweight children under 5 years old in the province at 0.55%.

How should we provide nutritional care and exercise for obese children?

According to Dr. Thach Neng Xuan Chinh, Head of the Nutrition Department at the Provincial Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, the causes of childhood obesity can be endogenous obesity, accounting for less than 10%. This obesity can be due to endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, hyperadrenalism, primary hyperinsulinism, acquired hypothalamic-pituitary disorders, or genetic factors like Down syndrome or Parder-Wili syndrome. Additionally, exogenous causes can account for over 90% of cases. These include an unbalanced diet with excessive energy intake (high in fat and carbohydrates, snacking habits, late-night eating, fast food, etc.) or a sedentary lifestyle (lack of physical activity).

Caring for children with TCBP requires a proper nutritional regimen. Feed children on time, never skipping meals, especially breakfast, and limit eating after 8 PM. This means eating more at breakfast and lunch, and less at dinner and supper. Give children unsweetened fresh milk or unsweetened skim milk rich in calcium. Encourage children to eat plenty of vegetables. Limit sugary foods. Restrict high-energy foods such as sausages, hamburgers, battered and fried chicken, instant noodles, ice cream, cakes, chocolate, and pastries. Limit animal fat, offal, and animal skin. In addition, encourage children to engage in physical activity.

In treating childhood obesity, dietary adjustments should be combined with increased physical activity. Children and adolescents should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Exercise should be diversified as much as possible, and time spent sitting, sedentary activities, and screen time should be limited.

Text and photos: HONG DIEM

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