Experts address the importance of food and nutrition education for children
Morbid Childhood Obesity Awareness Day, celebrated on June 3, aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by children affected by morbid obesity and promote actions to prevent this worrying condition. According to the general clinical director of the Center for Nutrition Education and Recovery (CREN), Maria Paula de Albuquerque, it is necessary to take care of the nutritional status of women and men of childbearing age since there is a genetic relationship between parents and children.
“Parents with obesity have an 80% chance of having children with the same condition. This number drops to 40% if only one parent is obese and 10% if the parents have a quality diet,” she warns.
The CREN nutritionist, Paola Ibelli, says that changes in habits can reverse the situation. “It is necessary to reduce a sedentary lifestyle, avoiding long periods of exposure and use of television screens, computers, smartphones and tablets. Screen time more than two hours can increase the risk of developing obesity by 42%. Physical activity can reduce the risk of obesity by 30%,” she says.
Care that begins when they are children
Encouraging breastfeeding for up to six months, supplementing for up to two years is also one of the ways to fight obesity. According to the director-president of the Opy Institute, Heloisa Oliveira, exclusive breastfeeding is the best feeding option for the baby up to the 6th month of life.
“It is essential that children have access to healthy food for their full development and thus maintain their ideal weight, and that public policies are effective in improving food and nutrition conditions, ensuring food and nutrition security for all children of all the regions and social classes” , he reinforces.
In the same line of thought, the CREN nutritionist points out that stopping breastfeeding early, before four months, can increase the risk of childhood obesity by 24%.
Never neglect a balanced diet
A balanced diet should be part of children’s growth and development. “Encouraging breakfast is essential. Eating this meal every day can reduce the risk of childhood obesity by 34%. Another important point is to avoid taking sugary drinks. The consumption of these drinks, four or more times during the week, is associated with a 24% increase in the risk of developing obesity”, warns Paola Ibelli.
The practice of Food and Nutrition Education (EAN) should use problematic and active educational approaches and resources that foster dialogue with people and population groups, considering all phases of the life cycle, phases of the food system, interactions and meanings that constitute behavior for fodder.
“It is necessary to involve all sectors of society to bring people closer to healthy eating in an autonomous and voluntary way”, concludes the clinical director general of CREN.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
