Childhood obesity, a condition where a child’s weight is more than the healthy limits for their age and height, has become a growing global problem. Once considered to be a problem for wealthier nations, this crisis has reached Nigeria affecting 1 in 13 children aged 5–9 years.
Take Tolani, a 7-year-old girl from a well-to-do family who loves her snacks and sugary treats. Her chubby cheeks and figure could easily be mistaken for a preteen’s.
But beneath her plump appearance, during a routine health check a harsh truth was discovered: Tolani was at risk of diabetes. Shocked and concerned, her parents wondered what had gone wrong.
Could it be the frequent indulgence in sugary treats, or the family’s preference for quick, processed meals?
Tolani’s case shows a troubling trend among children, because of changing diets and nutrient-deficient meals, which are meals lacking essential nutrients needed for proper growth and development resulting in malnutrition or disease.
This combined with lifestyle choices is a major driver for childhood obesity across the country.
Public health nutritionist Oluwagbemisola Akinloye explains the ‘double burden’ of malnutrition faced by Nigerian children, with both undernutrition and overnutrition coexisting. This shift she attributes to our growing reliance on convenience foods, which are replacing traditional, nutrient-rich meals.
“The erosion of indigenous foods and the prevalence of fast food are putting our children’s health at risk,’ she warns.
The media plays a significant role in shaping children’s dietary habits. While junk food advertisements often appeal to young audiences, influencing children’s ask, Parents can reduce the impact of such advertisements by guiding their children toward healthier alternatives and limiting screen time.
Media platforms themselves can potentially drive positive change by promoting educational campaigns that emphasize the benefits of healthy eating.
Parents hold the key to stopping childhood obesity by imbibing balanced diets and encouraging physical activity. Let our homes be spaces where love and healthy habits go hand in hand, nurturing a brighter future for our children.
