A unified approach involving parents, schools, government agencies, and sports organizations to address the problem of obesity among Saudi children was launched here by the Saudi Diabetes & Endocrine Association (SDEA). The launch was spearheaded by Professor Abdulaziz Al-Mulhim, head of the SDEA scientific committee. Addressing the Ramadan meeting of SDEA, which was attended by parents, schoolteachers, government representatives and managers of sports clubs, Al-Mulhim said a concerted drive to arrest the problem of child obesity should now be taken seriously. “We have to invest our time and resources for the benefit of our children's health and wellness by addressing the problem of obesity which has now created many health, social, psychological and economic problems,” Al-Mulhim said. He said the Kingdom already has a growing number of obese adults, stressing that the next generation should be healthy and not follow in the footsteps of those who are already overweight. Al-Mulhim said parents are the “first line of offense” in instituting a wellness regime for their children. “It is a simple matter of adopting a healthier lifestyle and diet with moderate exercise, and at the same time being a role model for your children to follow,” he said. “Our culture of filling our children's plates with lots of food and insisting that they have to finish it all does not lead to a moderate and balanced diet for our children. Parents should consider this point seriously,” Al-Mulhim said. He said parents should also discourage their children from watching television and at the same time eating snacks and junk food. He added that parents should limit the amount of time their children watch TV. School teachers play a major role in preventing obesity among Saudi youngsters, Al-Mulhim said. “All Saudi schools must make children aware of the negative aspects of obesity and educate children about advertisements that encourage the over consumption of fatty and sugary food and drinks.” School canteens should always make available safe, low-fat food items, such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk, yogurt, and whole wheat bread, he stressed. Al-Mulhim said parents and teachers should refer children who are obese to doctors and family physicians. “I advise parents to consult physicians once they have noticed that their children's weight has increased, and not to wait too long to do so,” he said. All sports clubs and recreational facilities across the Kingdom should find ways to encourage children to exercise, such as by providing them with reduced prices for engaging in sports and athletic activities. He said government participation is crucial in addressing the problem of obesity among children, adding that government institutions, including those in health services, education, and sports should closely collaborate with the private sector and other non-government agencies to fight child obesity. – SG A study conducted by Dr. Khaled A. Madani, Consultant Nutritionist at the Directorate of Health Affairs in the Ministry of Health, revealed an increase in obesity among Saudi youngsters including children less than six years of age, an indication that those prone to obesity are getting younger.
