Posh lifestyle to blame for child obesity in UAE

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Picture used for illustrative purposes alone
Picture used for illustrative purposes alone

Abu Dhabi - Dr Nashwa Bahaa El Din, Specialist - Pediatrics, Burjeel Hospital, said parents must not neglect warning signs of childhood obesity.

By Jasmine Al Kuttab

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Published: Mon 6 Mar 2017, 5:00 PM

Last updated: Tue 7 Mar 2017, 12:38 AM

Doctors are warning parents in the UAE about the negative impact of modern, easy-going lifestyle of many UAE residents.
Health experts are claiming the posh lifestyle is triggering a rise in childhood obesity.
Dr Nashwa Bahaa El Din, Specialist - Pediatrics, Burjeel Hospital, said parents must not neglect warning signs of childhood obesity.
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"Obesity is increasing, and the two obvious reasons are poor diet and lack of physical activity."
She said she receives an average of 20 obese patients each week, a majority of the cases are female Emiratis. "I rarely receive Western patients, which has a lot to do with their healthy lifestyle."
She said that in 2015, Dubai Hospital conducted a survey, which revealed 33 per cent of children in the UAE are obese.
The survey also indicated that 20 per cent of those children are between the ages of five and ten, and a whopping 40 per cent are between the ages of 11 and 19.
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She also noted that another 2015 survey conducted by Zayed Military Hospital and the Ministry of Education, revealed that 34 per cent of childhood obesity is prevalent in Abu Dhabi.
Dr El Din said parents are too busy trying to balance their family and careers, and thus simply toss their children to the nannies, who may not always provide what is in the child's best interest.
"Kids are spending too much time on their iPads and smartphones, and not doing enough physical activities. And families are also forgetting to eat dinner together at the table."
Growing awareness
However, awareness on childhood obesity is increasing in the UAE, thanks to the ongoing governmental initiatives, which is seeing positive reactions from parents, according to health experts.
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"More concerned parents are asking for help - even with children as young as two," said Dr. Anita Das Gupta, Clinical Dietitian, Burjeel Hospital.
"Ten years ago parents thought that having a 'fat' child is cute, but now they are aware of the dangers and are willing to break the unhealthy cycle."
"I am seeing a rise in the number of patients, which is a good sign that parents are taking action," said Dr. Gupta.
She said the key to healthy-living, is ditching lavish lifestyle and sticking to the traditional.
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"Children must eat home cooked meals, learn to enjoy playing sport, instead of watching TV."
Dr Gupta added that she receives two to three obese children per week.
"Obese parents tend to have obese children, and this vicious cycle can only stop when parents make the change."
Obesity common among UAE children
Rob Donker, Fitness Professional and Nutritionist, said he has noticed a stark contrast in the weight of UAE's children, compared to those in his hometown, Scotland.
"It amazes me how many parents can live such a lavish lifestyle, where they can order anything to their doorstep."
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"This kind of negative image will only lead to a cycle of unhealthy living and diseases."
Donker pointed out that because children are the 'copy-cats' of their parents, it is therefore important to be the positive role models that can be looked up to.
"Even if they themselves don't have time, parents must micro-manage the nannies, tell them to prepare healthy meals, and not allow the children to watch TV all day."
He noted that change must start from the grassroots, which means parents need to change themselves, if they want their children to lead a healthy future.
"Be the person that you want your children to become."
'Feed your child nutrition, not poison'
Rob Donker, Dubai-based Fitness Professional and Nutritionist, said portion sizes are key to breaking the cycle of obesity.
"Parents are not always mindful enough of their children's portion sizes, which is crucial."
Donker added that children must eat what their bodies require and should not be fed until they feel full.
"If a dad weighs 80 kilograms, he cannot feed his son, who is half his weight, the same portion as his own."
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Donker also advised parents to use small plates, which plays a psychological effect on the child, by making them feel they are not missing out.
"The smaller the plate, the larger the meal will appear."
He also noted that meals should consist a balanced combination of micro-nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, whole-grains, and most importantly, an abundance of fruits and vegetables.
"Children require a lot of vitamins and minerals because they are growing, and will thus utilise whatever is fed to them, so parents must insure they are feeding their kids nutrition, not poison," warned Donker.
Dr Anita Das Gupta, Clinical Dietitian, Burjeel Hospital, said parents must not neglect their child's breakfast, despite how busy they may be.
She advises parents to cook a balanced breakfast, consisting wholegrain oats or eggs, along with fruit and milk.
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For lunch and dinner, Dr Gupta said, wholegrain rice, vegetables and protein, such as chicken or fish, is ideal.
"I don't advise eating fish for dinner, because it causes thirst, and red meat should not be eaten more than twice a week."
She noted that for snacks, children should eat fruit, plain yogurt or nuts.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com
 


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