Currently, the South region has 11.52% of obese children in this age group, the highest rate in the country.
The issue is a cause for concern for the Rio Grande do Sul Society of Pediatrics (SPRS), which warns of the growing problem of obesity among children and adolescents in the state. The public report of the National Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, with data from people monitored in primary health care, points out that, as of mid-September 2022, more than 340,000 children aged 5 to 10 have been diagnosed with obesity.
In 2021, APS diagnosed 356,000 children of the same age with obesity. The condition has serious consequences for the physical and mental health of the little ones, such as the development of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, eating disorders and low self-esteem.
Pediatrician and member of the Pediatric Society of Rio Grande do Sul (SPRS), Cristiane Kopacek, emphasizes the importance of parents being aware of the importance of healthy eating.
“It is essential to discuss any doubts with the pediatrician, but common sense plays a fundamental role. If we ask a child which is the healthier option between an apple and a filled biscuit, he will be able to answer that fruit is better. Therefore, it is It’s important that parents also take care of educating their children about eating behavior,” he says.
The Society of Pediatrics of Rio Grande do Sul (SPRS) is committed to the fight against childhood obesity and works in partnership with parents, schools and health professionals to promote an environment conducive to the health and well-being of children. Reinforces the importance of adopting healthy eating habits, encouraging regular physical activity and limiting the consumption of ultra-processed foods. Furthermore, regular pediatric follow-up is essential to monitor children’s growth and development, identify obesity risk early, and provide appropriate interventions.
Currently, the South region has 11.52% of obese children in this age group, the highest rate in the country. The regions of the Southeast follow, with 10.41%; Northeast, with 9.67%; Midwest, with 9.43%; and North, with 6.93% of children monitored by the Unified Health System (SUS) in the region.
The National Food and Nutrition Policy (PNAN) of the Ministry of Health recognizes obesity as a public health problem. Because it is multifactorial, the disease requires integrated interventions from several sectors, other than health, to halt progress and ensure full development in childhood.
*With the Pediatric Information Society of Rio Grande do Sul (SPRS)
Source: Terra
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